Frequency of Hypertension in Patients with Ischaemic and Haemorrhagic Stroke Presenting at Hayatabad Medical Complex

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVES This study aimed to determine the frequency of hypertension and its association with stroke subtype (ischaemic and haemorrhagic) among patients presenting with stroke at Hayatabad Medical Complex. METHODOLOGY This cross-sectional study was conducted from June to December 2024 at the Department of Medicine, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar. All patients presenting with either ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke were included. Data were collected on hypertension status, obesity, ICU admission, and adherence to antihypertensive medication. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize patient characteristics, and associations between stroke subtypes and selected variables were explored. RESULTSAmong 220 stroke patients, the mean age was 58.35 ± 13.78 years, with a median age of 60 years (IQR: 50–69). The mean BMI was 27.54 ± 5.24 kg/m², and the median length of hospital stay was 4 days (IQR: 2–6). Ischaemic stroke accounted for 69.1% of cases, while 30.9% had haemorrhagic stroke. Hypertension was present in 75% of patients. There was a significant association between hypertension and stroke type (χ² = 30.91, p < 0.001), with hypertensive patients more frequently experiencing ischaemic stroke. In bivariate logistic regression analysis, hypertension, age category, and medication adherence were significantly associated with stroke type. After adjustment in the multivariable logistic regression model, hypertension (AOR = 0.15, p < 0.001), age category (AOR = 0.24, p < 0.001), and medication adherence (AOR = 0.49, p = 0.046) remained significant predictors. The Hosmer–Lemeshow test demonstrates good calibration and adequate fit to the data. CONCLUSION Hypertension was highly prevalent among patients with both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke in this study population, highlighting its importance as a major modifiable risk factor. Strengthening hypertension screening and control programs may help reduce the burden of stroke.