[Prevalence of risk factors in cerebral ischemia].

The prevalence of risk factors for ischaemic stroke is described in 270 patients with transient ischaemic attacks or ischaemic stroke. Smoking was the most common risk factor (46%) followed by hypertension (30%) and increased levels of serum cholesterol (26%). Diabetes mellitus, atrial fibrillation and earlier myocardial infarction were less common risk factors. Ninety-one patients (34%) had two or more risk factors. In conclusion, vascular risk factors are frequently present in patients with transient ischaemic attacks or ischaemic stroke. It is still not yet clarified if risk factor modification is of any value in prevention of stroke recurrence.