Despite high awareness, secondary stroke prevention strategies are low
FRIDAY, March 12, 2021 (HealthDay News) — The rates of vascular risk factors (VRFs) are high among Hispanic/Latino individuals, and despite high awareness, there is low adherence to secondary stroke prevention strategies, according to a study published online March 4 in Stroke.
Fang Bai, M.D., M.S.P.H., from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and colleagues examined the prevalence, awareness, and control of VRFs and use of antithrombotic and statin agents in 404 participants from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos who had a self-reported history of stroke or transient ischemic attack.
The researchers found that the prevalence rates of hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes were 59, 65, and 39 percent, respectively, within the cohort. The corresponding frequencies of awareness were 90, 75, and 83 percent among those meeting the diagnostic criteria for these diagnoses. The prevalence rates of controlled hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes were 46, 32, and 54 percent, respectively, in participants who were aware of their VRFs. Overall, about 46, 39, and 26 percent of participants were on antithrombotics, statins, or both, respectively. Anticoagulation was received by 38 percent of those with atrial fibrillation. Older age was associated with uncontrolled hypertension and diabetes after adjustment for baseline sociodemographic characteristics. Associations were also seen for residing in the United States for 10 years or longer and being born in the United States with uncontrolled diabetes and for female sex with uncontrolled dyslipidemia.
“Many of the participants with previous stroke knew about their vascular risk factors; however, the data indicate they are receiving inadequate treatment and support, which are a real concern,” a coauthor said in a statement.
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