The risk for stroke and differences among geographical regions regarding this risk in hypertensive patients in Turkey: a hospital-based, cross-sectional, epidemiological questionnaire (THİNK)* study

OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to define the risk for stroke in hypertensive patients in Turkey and the differences among geographical regions regarding this risk, and to evaluate risk factors for stroke other than hypertension.

STUDY DESIGN
This hospital-based, cross-sectional, epidemiological questionnaire study was conducted in 39 centers in 22 cities from seven geographical regions in Turkey. Using the algorithm in the Framingham Heart Study, stroke risk for the following 10 years was calculated for 6790 patients (59.3% females; age range, 54 to 74 years for 87.4%). Blood pressure levels were assessed according to the ESC (European Society of Cardiology) and JNC 7 (Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee) classification systems.

RESULTS
Hypertension was rated as mild to severe and grade 1 to 2 in approximately 69% and 70% of patients according to the ESC and JNC 7 classifications, respectively. The mean 10-year stroke risk was 17±15% in the study group, the highest being in the Black Sea region (19±14%), and the lowest in the Marmara region (16±14%), with the odds ratio of 1.62 (95% confidence interval, 1.32-1.99; p<0.001). Risk factors for stroke according to the odds ratios were as follows in decreasing order: left ventricular hypertrophy, increased age, high blood pressure, male gender, coronary heart disease, smoking, diabetes mellitus; high creatinine, low HDL, and high fasting glucose levels; geographical region, and obesity.

CONCLUSION
There is a considerable stroke risk for Turkish hypertensive patients despite a high antihypertensive treatment ratio among this population.