Stroke in Hispanic veterans: a descriptive study.

BACKGROUND Differences in risk factor prevalence and distribution of atherosclerotic cerebrovascular disease have been reported among different racial-ethnic groups. Identification of stroke syndromes and risk factors specific to the Puerto Rican male population should lead to more effective diagnosis, treatment, and prevention programs. METHODS We prospectively and consecutively evaluated 118 Hispanic male veterans admitted to our Stroke Unit from June 1994 to September 1995. RESULTS Ninety patients (76%) had an ischemic infarct, 26 (22%) had a transient ischemic attack, and 2 (2%) had an intracerebral and/or subarachnoid hemorrhage. Hypertension was the most common risk factor. Echocardiographic studies were done in 64% of the patients, and the most common findings were concentric left ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction. Cerebral angiography was done in 40 cases, and findings were abnormal in 32 (80%). CONCLUSIONS We believe this is the largest descriptive study of Hispanic male veterans with stroke syndromes. It provides baseline data to serve as a comparison group for future research.