Risk Factors for Ischemic Stroke Subtypes

Abstract

Background and Purpose— To evaluate risk factors for ischemic stroke by its subtypes may contribute to more effective prevention of ischemic stroke, but few prospective studies have characterized risk factors for specific subtypes of ischemic stroke. Methods— Between 1987 and 1989, 14 448 men and women aged 45 to 64 years and free of clinical stroke took part in the first examination of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study. The incidence of stroke was ascertained from hospital surveillance records. Results— During an average follow-up of 13.4-years, 531 incident ischemic strokes occurred (105 lacunar, 326 nonlacunar, and 100 cardioembolic). Blacks had a 3-fold higher multivariate-adjusted risk ratio of lacunar stroke compared with whites. No racial difference in nonlacunar or cardioembolic strokes was found after adjusting for prevalent risk factors. In addition to traditional risk factors, nontraditional risk factors, such as waist-to-hip ratio, history of coronary heart disease, left ventricula...