Data on the functional outcome, prevalence of risk factors and comorbidity of stroke were collected in the population-based Finnmark Stroke Register in northern Norway. Findings for hospitalised first-ever strokes (n = 125) during the first registration year (1998-1999) are presented here. The median age of the patients was 70 years for men and 79 years for women. Cerebral infarctions comprised 81.6 of the strokes. Patients were severely handicapped: at discharge from hospital about 46 of those 75 years or older and about 21 of those younger than 75 years had severe disability by Rankin Scale. Women were more impaired than men. After hospitalisation, 45 of those 75 years or older and 21 of those younger than 75 years were sent to nursing home. The prevalence of risk factors and comorbidity was high: 29 of men (52 of women) had high blood pressure, 22 of men (25 of women) had atrial fibrillation, 22 of both men and women had diabetes, and 50 of men and 33 of women were current smokers. In conclusion, stroke victims in Finnmark were left with severe disability and need intensive rehabilitation. The prevalence of treatable risk factors was high; thus, primary and secondary prevention is the key to reduce the individual and social burden of stroke.
展开▼
