Abstract

PREVALENCE OF PERIPHERAL ARTERIAL DISEASES AMONG PATIENTS WITH STROKE IN SULAIMANI CITY

*Dr. Rasha Majeed Mahmoud, Dr. Qutaiba Ismael Taha and Dr. Laila Hamzah Huzaim

ABSTRACT

Stroke is a major cause of death and a devastating disorder that puts a large burden on health care systems. Stroke occurs particularly in the elderly. Most studies on the incidence of stroke have focused on persons aged younger than 85 years and limited data exist on the occurrence of stroke in the very old. Since populations are growing older, an increase in the burden of stroke is expected in coming decades. A challenge for medical research is the question whether and how this devastating disease can be prevented. This requires identification of modifiable risk factors that are amenable to intervention. Moreover, it requires possibilities to recognize those who may benefit most from preventive interventions.[1] The main risk factor for stroke is atherosclerosis, which accumulates with age. Several noninvasive measures of atherosclerosis exist. Despite research that has been done in this field, the strength and nature of the relation between measures of atherosclerosis and stroke subtypes is not yet fully understood. Further, it is not clear whether other risk factors are related to stroke through unrelated mechanisms, or that they trigger the presence or progression of atherosclerosis. Besides atherosclerosis, there are other putative risk factors for stroke such as sex hormones and genetic factors.[2]

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