| 1. |
- Judge, C., et al.
(author)
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Urinary Sodium and Potassium, and Risk of Ischemic and Hemorrhagic Stroke (INTERSTROKE): A Case-Control Study
- 2021
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In: American Journal of Hypertension. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0895-7061 .- 1941-7225. ; 34:4, s. 414-425
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND Although low sodium intake (<2 g/day) and high potassium intake (>3.5 g/day) are proposed as public health interventions to reduce stroke risk, there is uncertainty about the benefit and feasibility of this combined recommendation on prevention of stroke. METHODS We obtained random urine samples from 9,275 cases of acute first stroke and 9,726 matched controls from 27 countries and estimated the 24-hour sodium and potassium excretion, a surrogate for intake, using the Tanaka formula. Using multivariable conditional logistic regression, we determined the associations of estimated 24-hour urinary sodium and potassium excretion with stroke and its subtypes. RESULTS Compared with an estimated urinary sodium excretion of 2.8-3.5 g/ day (reference), higher (>4.26 g/day) (odds ratio [OR] 1.81; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.65-2.00) and lower (<2.8 g/day) sodium excretion (OR 1.39; 95% CI, 1.26-1.53) were significantly associated with increased risk of stroke. The stroke risk associated with the highest quartile of sodium intake (sodium excretion >4.26 g/day) was significantly greater (P < 0.001) for intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) (OR 2.38; 95% CI, 1.93-2.92) than for ischemic stroke (OR 1.67; 95% CI, 1.50-1.87). Urinary potassium was inversely and linearly associated with risk of stroke, and stronger for ischemic stroke than ICH (P = 0.026). In an analysis of combined sodium and potassium excretion, the combination of high potassium intake (>1.58 g/day) and moderate sodium intake (2.8-3.5 g/day) was associated with the lowest risk of stroke. CONCLUSIONS The association of sodium intake and stroke is J-shaped, with high sodium intake a stronger risk factor for ICH than ischemic stroke. Our data suggest that moderate sodium intake-rather than low sodium intake-combined with high potassium intake may be associated with the lowest risk of stroke and expected to be a more feasible combined dietary target.
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| 2. |
- O'Donnell, M. J., et al.
(author)
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Global and regional effects of potentially modifiable risk factors associated with acute stroke in 32 countries (INTERSTROKE): a case-control study
- 2016
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In: Lancet. - 0140-6736 .- 1474-547X. ; 388:10046, s. 761-775
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability, especially in low-income and middle-income countries. We sought to quantify the importance of potentially modifiable risk factors for stroke in different regions of the world, and in key populations and primary pathological subtypes of stroke. METHODS: We completed a standardised international case-control study in 32 countries in Asia, America, Europe, Australia, the Middle East, and Africa. Cases were patients with acute first stroke (within 5 days of symptom onset and 72 h of hospital admission). Controls were hospital-based or community-based individuals with no history of stroke, and were matched with cases, recruited in a 1:1 ratio, for age and sex. All participants completed a clinical assessment and were requested to provide blood and urine samples. Odds ratios (OR) and their population attributable risks (PARs) were calculated, with 99% confidence intervals. FINDINGS: Between Jan 11, 2007, and Aug 8, 2015, 26 919 participants were recruited from 32 countries (13 447 cases [10 388 with ischaemic stroke and 3059 intracerebral haemorrhage] and 13 472 controls). Previous history of hypertension or blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg or higher (OR 2.98, 99% CI 2.72-3.28; PAR 47.9%, 99% CI 45.1-50.6), regular physical activity (0.60, 0.52-0.70; 35.8%, 27.7-44.7), apolipoprotein (Apo)B/ApoA1 ratio (1.84, 1.65-2.06 for highest vs lowest tertile; 26.8%, 22.2-31.9 for top two tertiles vs lowest tertile), diet (0.60, 0.53-0.67 for highest vs lowest tertile of modified Alternative Healthy Eating Index [mAHEI]; 23.2%, 18.2-28.9 for lowest two tertiles vs highest tertile of mAHEI), waist-to-hip ratio (1.44, 1.27-1.64 for highest vs lowest tertile; 18.6%, 13.3-25.3 for top two tertiles vs lowest), psychosocial factors (2.20, 1.78-2.72; 17.4%, 13.1-22.6), current smoking (1.67, 1.49-1.87; 12.4%, 10.2-14.9), cardiac causes (3.17, 2.68-3.75; 9.1%, 8.0-10.2), alcohol consumption (2.09, 1.64-2.67 for high or heavy episodic intake vs never or former drinker; 5.8%, 3.4-9.7 for current alcohol drinker vs never or former drinker), and diabetes mellitus (1.16, 1.05-1.30; 3.9%, 1.9-7.6) were associated with all stroke. Collectively, these risk factors accounted for 90.7% of the PAR for all stroke worldwide (91.5% for ischaemic stroke, 87.1% for intracerebral haemorrhage), and were consistent across regions (ranging from 82.7% in Africa to 97.4% in southeast Asia), sex (90.6% in men and in women), and age groups (92.2% in patients aged 55 years). We observed regional variations in the importance of individual risk factors, which were related to variations in the magnitude of ORs (rather than direction, which we observed for diet) and differences in prevalence of risk factors among regions. Hypertension was more associated with intracerebral haemorrhage than with ischaemic stroke, whereas current smoking, diabetes, apolipoproteins, and cardiac causes were more associated with ischaemic stroke (p<0.0001). INTERPRETATION: Ten potentially modifiable risk factors are collectively associated with about 90% of the PAR of stroke in each major region of the world, among ethnic groups, in men and women, and in all ages. However, we found important regional variations in the relative importance of most individual risk factors for stroke, which could contribute to worldwide variations in frequency and case-mix of stroke. Our findings support developing both global and region-specific programmes to prevent stroke. FUNDING: Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, Canadian Stroke Network, Health Research Board Ireland, Swedish Research Council, Swedish Heart and Lung Foundation, The Health & Medical Care Committee of the Regional Executive Board, Region Vastra Gotaland (Sweden), AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada), Pfizer (Canada), MSD, Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland, and The Stroke Association, with support from The UK Stroke Research Network.
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| 3. |
- O'Donnell, M., et al.
(author)
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Variations in knowledge, awareness and treatment of hypertension and stroke risk by country income level
- 2021
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In: Heart. - : BMJ. - 1355-6037 .- 1468-201X. ; 107:4, s. 282-289
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective Hypertension is the most important modifiable risk factor for stroke globally. We hypothesised that country-income level variations in knowledge, detection and treatment of hypertension may contribute to variations in the association of blood pressure with stroke. Methods We undertook a standardised case-control study in 32 countries (INTERSTROKE). Cases were patients with acute first stroke (n=13 462) who were matched by age, sex and site to controls (n=13 483). We evaluated the associations of knowledge, awareness and treatment of hypertension with risk of stroke and its subtypes and whether this varied by gross national income (GNI) of country. We estimated OR and population attributable risk (PAR) associated with treated and untreated hypertension. Results Hypertension was associated with a graded increase in OR by reducing GNI, ranging from OR 1.92 (99% CI 1.48 to 2.49) to OR 3.27 (2.72 to 3.93) for highest to lowest country-level GNI (p-heterogeneity<0.0001). Untreated hypertension was associated with a higher OR for stroke (OR 5.25; 4.53 to 6.10) than treated hypertension (OR 2.60; 2.32 to 2.91) and younger age of first stroke (61.4 vs 65.4 years; p<0.01). Untreated hypertension was associated with a greater risk of intracerebral haemorrhage (OR 6.95; 5.61 to 8.60) than ischaemic stroke (OR 4.76; 3.99 to 5.68). The PAR associated with untreated hypertension was higher in lower-income regions, PAR 36.3%, 26.3%, 19.8% to 10.4% by increasing GNI of countries. Lifetime non-measurement of blood pressure was associated with stroke (OR 1.80; 1.32 to 2.46). Conclusions Deficits in knowledge, detection and treatment of hypertension contribute to higher risk of stroke, younger age of onset and larger proportion of intracerebral haemorrhage in lower-income countries.
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| 4. |
- Smyth, A., et al.
(author)
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Renal Impairment and Risk of Acute Stroke: The INTERSTROKE Study
- 2021
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In: Neuroepidemiology. - : S. Karger AG. - 0251-5350 .- 1423-0208. ; 55:3, s. 206-215
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Previous studies reported an association of renal impairment with stroke, but there are uncertainties underpinning this association. Aims: We explored if the association is explained by shared risk factors or is independent and whether there are regional or stroke subtype variations. Methods: INTERSTROKE is a case-control study and the largest international study of risk factors for first acute stroke, completed in 27 countries. We included individuals with available serum creatinine values and calculated estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Renal impairment was defined as eGFR Results: Of 21,127 participants, 41.0% were female, the mean age was 62.3 +/- 13.4 years, and the mean eGFR was 79.9 +/- 23.5 mL/min/1.73 m(2). The prevalence of renal impairment was higher in cases (22.9% vs. 17.7%, p < 0.001) and differed by region (p < 0.001). After adjustment, lower eGFR was associated with increased odds of stroke. Renal impairment was associated with increased odds of all stroke (OR 1.35; 95% CI: 1.24-1.47), with higher odds for intracerebral hemorrhage (OR 1.60; 95% CI: 1.35-1.89) than ischemic stroke (OR 1.29; 95% CI: 1.17-1.42) (p(interaction) 0.12). The largest magnitudes of association were seen in younger participants and those living in Africa, South Asia, or South America (p(interaction) < 0.001 for all stroke). Renal impairment was also associated with poorer clinical outcome (RRR 2.97; 95% CI: 2.50-3.54 for death within 1 month). Conclusion: Renal impairment is an important risk factor for stroke, particularly in younger patients, and is associated with more severe stroke and worse outcomes.
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| 5. |
- Mc Carthy, C. E., et al.
(author)
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Sleep Patterns and the Risk of Acute Stroke Results From the INTERSTROKE International Case-Control Study
- 2023
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In: Neurology. - 0028-3878. ; 100:21
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background and ObjectivesSymptoms of sleep disturbance are common and may represent important modifiable risk factors of stroke. We evaluated the association between a spectrum of sleep disturbance symptoms and the risk of acute stroke in an international setting.MethodsThe INTERSTROKE study is an international case-control study of patients presenting with first acute stroke and controls matched by age (+/- 5 years) and sex. Sleep symptoms in the previous month were assessed through a questionnaire. Conditional logistic regression estimated the association between sleep disturbance symptoms and acute stroke, expressed as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs. The primary model adjusted for age, occupation, marital status, and modified Rankin scale at baseline, with subsequent models adjusting for potential mediators (behavioral/disease risk factors).ResultsOverall, 4,496 matched participants were included, with 1,799 of them having experienced an ischemic stroke and 439 an intracerebral hemorrhage. Short sleep (<5 hours: OR 3.15, 95% CI 2.09-4.76), long sleep (>9 hours: OR 2.67, 95% CI 1.89-3.78), impaired quality (OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.32-1.75), difficulty getting to sleep (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.13-1.55) or maintaining sleep (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.15-1.53), unplanned napping (OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.20-1.84), prolonged napping (>1 hour: OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.49-2.38), snoring (OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.62-2.24), snorting (OR 2.64, 95% CI 2.17-3.20), and breathing cessation (OR 2.87, 95% CI 2.28-3.60) were all significantly associated with an increased odds of acute stroke in the primary model. A derived obstructive sleep apnea score of 2-3 (2.67, 2.25-3.15) and cumulative sleep symptoms (>5: 5.38, 4.03-7.18) were also associated with a significantly increased odds of acute stroke, with the latter showing a graded association. After an extensive adjustment, significance was maintained for most of the symptoms (not difficulty getting to/maintaining sleep and unplanned napping), with similar findings for stroke subtypes.DiscussionWe found that sleep disturbance symptoms were common and associated with a graded increased risk of stroke. These symptoms may be a marker of increased individual risk or represent independent risk factors. Future clinical trials are warranted to determine the efficacy of sleep interventions in stroke prevention.
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| 6. |
- Khan, M., et al.
(author)
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Risk Factors for Stroke in the Young (18-45 Years): A Case-Control Analysis of INTERSTROKE Data from 32 Countries
- 2023
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In: Neuroepidemiology. - 0251-5350. ; 57:5, s. 275-283
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: It is not clear whether conventional vascular risk factors are responsible for most strokes in patients younger than 45 years of age. Our objective was to evaluate the association of common risk factors with stroke in individuals under 45 years. Methods: INTERSTROKE was a case-control study carried out in 32 countries between 2007 and 2015. Patients presenting within 5 days of symptom onset of a first stroke were enrolled as cases. Controls were age and sex matched to cases and had no history of stroke. Cases and controls underwent similar evaluations. Odds ratios (ORs) and population attributable risks (PARs) were calculated to determine the association of various risk factors with all stroke, ischemic stroke, and intracranial hemorrhage, for patients 45 years of age or younger. Findings: 1,582 case-control pairs were included in this analysis. The mean age of this cohort was 38.5 years (SD 6.32). Overall, 71% strokes were ischemic. Cardiac causes {OR: 8.42 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.01-23.5)}; binge drinking of alcohol (OR: 5.44 [95% CI: 1.81-16.4]); hypertension (OR: 5.41 [95% CI: 3.40-8.58]); ApoB/ApoA1 ratio (OR: 2.74 [95% CI: 1.69-4.46]); psychosocial stress (OR: 2.33 [95% CI: 1.01-5.41]); smoking (OR: 1.85 [95% CI: 1.17-2.94]); and increased waist-to-hip ratio (OR: 1.69 [95% CI: 1.04-2.75]) were the most important risk factors for ischemic stroke in these young cases. For intracerebral hemorrhage, only hypertension (OR: 9.08 [95% CI: 5.46-15.1]) and binge drinking (OR: 4.06 [95% CI: 1.27-13.0]) were significant risk factors. The strength of association and population attributable risk (PAR) for hypertension increased with age (PAR 23.3% in those <35 years of age, 50.7% in 35-45 years of age). Interpretation: Conventional risk factors such as hypertension, smoking, binge drinking of alcohol, central obesity, cardiac causes, dyslipidemia, and psychosocial stress are important risk factors for stroke in those younger than 45 years of age. Hypertension is the most significant risk factor in all age groups and across all regions and both stroke subtypes. These risk factors should be identified and modified in early adulthood to prevent strokes in young individuals.
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| 7. |
- Murphy, R. P., et al.
(author)
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Depressive Symptoms and Risk of Acute Stroke INTERSTROKE Case-Control Study
- 2023
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In: Neurology. - : Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health). - 0028-3878 .- 1526-632X. ; 100:17
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background and Objectives Depression has been reported to be a risk factor of acute stroke, based largely on studies in high income countries. In the INTERSTROKE study, we explored the contribution of depressive symptoms to acute stroke risk and 1-month outcome across regions of the world, within subpopulations and by stroke type. Methods The INTERSTROKE is an international case-control study of risk factors of first acute stroke, conducted in 32 countries. Cases were patients with CT- or MRI-confirmed incident acute hospitalized stroke, and controls were matched for age, sex, and within sites. Standardized questions asked about self-reported depressive symptoms during the previous 12 months and the use of prescribed antidepressant medications were recorded. Multivariable conditional logistic regression was used to determine the association of prestroke depressive symptoms with acute stroke risk. Adjusted ordinal logistic regression was used to explore the association of prestroke depressive symptoms with poststroke functional outcome, measured with the modified Rankin scale at 1 month after stroke. Results Of 26,877 participants, 40.4% were women, and the mean age was 61.7 +/- 13.4 years. The prevalence of depressive symptoms within the last 12 months was higher in cases compared with that in controls (18.3% vs 14.1%, p < 0.001) and differed by region (p interaction <0.001), with lowest prevalence in China (6.9% in controls) and highest in South America (32.2% of controls). In multivariable analyses, prestroke depressive symptoms were associated with greater odds of acute stroke (odds ratio [OR] 1.46, 95% CI 1.34-1.58), which was significant for both intracerebral hemorrhage (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.28-1.91) and ischemic stroke (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.31-1.58). A larger magnitude of association with stroke was seen in patients with a greater burden of depressive symptoms. While preadmission depressive symptoms were not associated with a greater odds of worse baseline stroke severity (OR 1.02, 95% CI 0.94-1.10), they were associated with a greater odds of poor functional outcome at 1 month after acute stroke (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.01-1.19). Discussion In this global study, we recorded that depressive symptoms are an important risk factor of acute stroke, including both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. Preadmission depressive symptoms were associated with poorer functional outcome, but not baseline stroke severity, suggesting an adverse role of depressive symptoms in poststroke recovery.
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| 8. |
- Langhorne, Peter, et al.
(author)
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Practice patterns and outcomes after stroke across countries at different economic levels (INTERSTROKE): an international observational study.
- 2018
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In: Lancet (London, England). - 1474-547X. ; 391:10134, s. 2019-2027
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Stroke disproportionately affects people in low-income and middle-income countries. Although improvements in stroke care and outcomes have been reported in high-income countries, little is known about practice and outcomes in low and middle-income countries. We aimed to compare patterns of care available and their association with patient outcomes across countries at different economic levels.We studied the patterns and effect of practice variations (ie, treatments used and access to services) among participants in the INTERSTROKE study, an international observational study that enrolled 13447 stroke patients from 142 clinical sites in 32 countries between Jan 11, 2007, and Aug 8, 2015. We supplemented patient data with a questionnaire about health-care and stroke service facilities at all participating hospitals. Using univariate and multivariate regression analyses to account for patient casemix and service clustering, we estimated the association between services available, treatments given, and patient outcomes (death or dependency) at 1 month.We obtained full information for 12342 (92%) of 13447 INTERSTROKE patients, from 108 hospitals in 28 countries; 2576 from 38 hospitals in ten high-income countries and 9766 from 70 hospitals in 18 low and middle-income countries. Patients in low-income and middle-income countries more often had severe strokes, intracerebral haemorrhage, poorer access to services, and used fewer investigations and treatments (p<0·0001) than those in high-income countries, although only differences in patient characteristics explained the poorer clinical outcomes in low and middle-income countries. However across all countries, irrespective of economic level, access to a stroke unit was associated with improved use of investigations and treatments, access to other rehabilitation services, and improved survival without severe dependency (odds ratio [OR] 1·29; 95% CI 1·14-1·44; all p<0·0001), which was independent of patient casemix characteristics and other measures of care. Use of acute antiplatelet treatment was associated with improved survival (1·39; 1·12-1·72) irrespective of other patient and service characteristics.Evidence-based treatments, diagnostics, and stroke units were less commonly available or used in low and middle-income countries. Access to stroke units and appropriate use of antiplatelet treatment were associated with improved recovery. Improved care and facilities in low-income and middle-income countries are essential to improve outcomes.Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland.
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| 9. |
- O'Donnell, Martin J, et al.
(author)
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Association of Lipids, Lipoproteins, and Apolipoproteins with Stroke Subtypes in an International Case Control Study (INTERSTROKE).
- 2022
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In: Journal of stroke. - : Korean Stroke Society. - 2287-6391 .- 2287-6405. ; 24:2, s. 224-235
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The association of dyslipidemia with stroke has been inconsistent, which may be due to differing associations within etiological stroke subtypes. We sought to determine the association of lipoproteins and apolipoproteins within stroke subtypes.Standardized incident case-control STROKE study in 32 countries. Cases were patients with acute hospitalized first stroke, and matched by age, sex and site to controls. Concentrations of total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), apolipoprotein A1 (apoA1), and apoB were measured. Non-HDL-C was calculated. We estimated multivariable odds ratio (OR) and population attributable risk percentage (PAR%). Outcome measures were all stroke, ischemic stroke (and subtypes), and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH).Our analysis included 11,898 matched case-control pairs; 77.3% with ischemic stroke and 22.7% with ICH. Increasing apoB (OR, 1.10; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06 to 1.14 per standard deviation [SD]) and LDL-C (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.10 per SD) were associated with an increase in risk of ischemic stroke, but a reduced risk of ICH. Increased apoB was significantly associated with large vessel stroke (PAR 13.4%; 95% CI, 5.6 to 28.4) and stroke of undetermined cause. Higher HDL-C (OR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.72 to 0.78 per SD) and apoA1 (OR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.61 to 0.66 per SD) were associated with ischemic stroke (and subtypes). While increasing HDL-C was associated with an increased risk of ICH (OR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.14 to 1.27 per SD), apoA1 was associated with a reduced risk (OR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.75 to 0.85 per SD). ApoB/A1 (OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.32 to 1.44 per SD) had a stronger magnitude of association than the ratio of LDL-C/HDL-C (OR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.21 to 1.31 per SD) with ischemic stroke (P<0.0001).The pattern and magnitude of association of lipoproteins and apolipoproteins with stroke varies by etiological stroke subtype. While the directions of association for LDL, HDL, and apoB were opposing for ischemic stroke and ICH, apoA1 was associated with a reduction in both ischemic stroke and ICH. The ratio of apoB/A1 was the best lipid predictor of ischemic stroke risk.
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| 10. |
- Wang, Xingyu, et al.
(author)
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Tobacco use and risk of acute stroke in 32 countries in the INTERSTROKE study: a case–control study
- 2024
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In: eClinicalMedicine. - 2589-5370. ; 70
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Smoking is a major risk factor for the global burden of stroke. We have previously reported a global population attributable risk (PAR) of stroke of 12.4% associated with current smoking. In this study we aimed to explore the association of current tobacco use with different types of tobacco exposure and environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure on the risk of stroke and stroke subtypes, and by regions and country income levels. Methods: The INTERSTROKE study is a case–control study of acute first stroke and was undertaken with 13,462 stroke cases and 13,488 controls recruited between January 11, 2007 and August 8, 2015 in 32 countries worldwide. Association of risk of tobacco use and ETS exposure were analysed with overall stroke, ischemic and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), and with TOAST etiological stroke subtypes (large vessel, small vessel, cardioembolism, and undetermined). Findings: Current smoking was associated with an increased risk of all stroke (odds ratio [OR] 1.64, 95% CI 1.46–1.84), and had a stronger association with ischemic stroke (OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.61–2.11) than ICH (OR 1.19 95% CI 1.00–1.41). The OR and PAR of stroke among current smokers varied significantly between regions and income levels with high income countries (HIC) having the highest odds (OR 3.02 95% CI 2.24–4.10) and PAR (18.6%, 15.1–22.8%). Among etiological subtypes of ischemic stroke, the strongest association of current smoking was seen for large vessel stroke (OR 2.16, 95% CI 1.63–2.87) and undetermined cause (OR 1.97, 95% CI 1.55–2.50). Both filtered (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.50–1.99) and non-filtered (OR 2.59, 95% CI 1.79–3.77) cigarettes were associated with stroke risk. ETS exposure increased the risk of stroke in a dose-dependent manner, exposure for more than 10 h per week increased risk for all stroke (OR 1.95, 95% CI 1.69–2.27), ischemic stroke (OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.59–2.24) and ICH (OR 2.00, 95% CI 1.60–2.50). Interpretation: There are significant variations in the magnitude of risk and PAR of stroke according to the types of tobacco used, active and ETS exposure, and countries with different income levels. Specific strategies to discourage tobacco use by any form and to build a smoke free environment should be implemented to ease the global burden of stroke. Funding: The Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, Canadian Stroke Network, Swedish Research Council, Swedish Heart and Lung Foundation, The Health & Medical Care Committee of the Regional Executive Board, Region Västra Götaland, and through unrestricted grants from several pharmaceutical companies with major contributions from Astra Zeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada), Pfizer (Canada), MERCK, Sharp and Dohme, Swedish Heart and Lung Foundation, UK Chest, and UK Heart and Stroke.
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