Incidence and lethality of ischaemic stroke among people 60 years or older in the region of Tarragona (Spain), 2008-2011

Introduction. Data available about the epidemiology of stroke is limited. This study investigated incidence and lethality of ischaemic stroke among the general population over 60 years in the region of Tarragona. Patients and methods. Population-based cohort study that included 27,204 individuals >= 60 years assigned to nine Primary Care Centers in the Tarragones county (Catalonia, Spain), who were prospectively followed between December 1st, 2008 and November 30th, 2011. During follow-up, all episodes of ischaemic stroke were recruited among cohort members. Only confirmed ischaemic cases (confirmed by neuroimaging and validated alter checking hospital medical records) were included. Results. An amount of 343 confirmed cases of ischaemic stroke were observed, which means a global incidence rate of 453 episodes per 100,000 persons/year (95% confidence interval = 408-504). Incidence was higher among men than in women (531 vs 392 per 100,000; p < 0.001) and increases substantially with increasing age (195 vs 517 vs 1,006 per 100,000 in 60-69 years, 70-79 years and >= 80 years, respectively; p < 0.001). Incidence was eight times greater among persons with history of prior ictus as compared with those without history of ictus (2,962 vs 340 per 100,000; p < 0.001). Overall lethality rate was 13%, reaching 21% among patients >= 80 years. Conclusion. Morbid-mortality by ischaemic ictus remains considerable among our population. Preventive measures and more efficacious therapies are imperative.