Estimating risk of stroke in elderly people by use of Framingham Stroke Risk Profile

Objective To explore the application of Framingham Stroke Risk Profile in elderly people. Methods A total of 5 148 people aged 55 years and older who received physical examination in a community were enrolled. Information of their healthy status and risk factors were collected by interview using a questionnaire. Height, weight, waist circumference (WC), and blood pressure as well as fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and serum lipid were measured. Results The average 10-year probabilities of stroke in elderly people were 9.79% in men and 6.20% in women (P<0.05). Besides aging factor, higher risk probability in men might be related to their higher proportions of smoking and atrial fibrillation. In addition to blood pressure and FPG which were variables associated with risk profile, WC/height ratio (WHR) and serum triglyceride level were associated with increased risk of stroke estimated by stroke risk profile (OR=1.598, 95%CI:1.371~1.864; OR=1.487, 95%CI:1.225~1.783), respectively. Conclusion Besides factors which had been included by risk profile, it is important to pay attention to weight control and triglyceride level. For elderly male, to quit smoking is an important measure that decreases their risk of stroke.