Abstract Background and aims Following a first ischemic stroke, the risk of recurrent ischemic events is 25% in three months . Despite advances in acute stroke care and prevention, recurrent ischemic stroke remains common. This study adds to the limited evidence on the factors contributing to the risk of recurrence. Aims To determine risk factors associated with recurrent ischemic stroke in patients admitted to a tertiary centre in the UK Methods A retrospective analysis on data extracted from the Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme (SSNAP). 87 Patients with more than one ischaemic stroke (confirmed clinically and/or radiologically) admitted within two years ( 2023-2025) were included. Excel was used for descriptive statistics. Results Two-third were male with a mean age of 72 years. About 70% live in areas below the 5th decile of Index of Multiple Deprivation. Risk factors in high proportion include; previous transient ischemic attack (32%), hypertension (68%), diabetes mellitus (31%), hypercholesterolaemia (45%), metabolic syndrome (26%), chronic kidney disease (29%). At the time of first stroke, 40% were already on antiplatelet therapy, of which 11% were switched to an alternative afterwards. Prolonged heart monitoring and echocardiogram were not done in 15.3% and 34.5% respectively. Cardiovascular risk factor control target was only achieved in 55-80% of recurrent events. Conclusions Suboptimal investigation and incomplete achievement of treatment targets highlight important gaps in secondary prevention that could be addressed to to reduce the risk of recurrence. Early identification and optimisation of modifiable risk factors, comprehensive cardiac evaluation and antiplatelet optimisation are essential. Conflict of interest Wine Ohn Chit: nothing to disclose"
Chit et al. (Fri,) studied this question.