Author(s)

Kazumitsu Nawata

Graduate School of Engineering, University of Tokyo, and Research Center for Health Policy and Economics, Hitotsubashi University, Hitotsubashi, Japan.

Background: Stroke is a worldwide health problem, the world’s second-leading cause of death and third-leading cause of disability. Currently, the majority of stroke patients are ischemic stroke patients. It is necessary to evaluate risk factors to prevent ischemic stroke. Data and Methods: The risk factors for stroke in the previous fiscal year were analyzed. They were divided into nonmodifiable and modifiable factors. The probit and ordered probit models were used in the study, with 59341 and 50542 observations used in the estimation of the models, respectively. Results: Among the nonmodifiable factors, age, gender and cerebrovascular disease history are important risk factors. The history of cerebrovascular diseases is considered to be an especially important factor. Among the modifiable factors, taking antihypertensive drugs and recent large weight change are negative risk factors; however, sleeping well significantly reduces the probability of ischemic stroke. Conclusion: It is very important to ensure that medical personnel know a patient’s history of cerebrovascular diseases for proper treatments. Ischemic stroke might be considered an important side effect of antihypertensive drugs. Limitations: The dataset was observatory. There are various types of antihypertension drugs, and their effects are not analyzed.

Stroke, Ischemic Stroke, Cerebrovascular History, Antihypertensive Drug, Side Effect

Nawata, K. (2020) Risk Factors Affecting Ischemic Stroke: A Potential Side Effect of Antihypertensive Drugs. Health, 12, 437-455. doi: 10.4236/health.2020.125035.