Ischemic stroke in Jordan 2000 to 2002: a two-year, hospital-based study.

A total of 200 consecutive patients with first ischemic stroke seen at Jordan University Hospital in Amman, Jordan, during a 2-year period were studied retrospectively. Mean age was 61.2 years (range: 29-95 years). The most common stroke subtype was lacunar infarct (51%), but the frequency of cardioembolic strokes was low (8%). Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, and smoking were the most common risk factors for atherosclerotic noncardioembolic strokes. Chronic atrial fibrillation was the most common risk factor for cardioembolic strokes. No patient had significant (>50%) extracranial carotid or vertebral artery stenosis. The outcome was relatively good; 85% of patients were discharged home, the majority with only mild neurologic deficit. The favorable outcome is most likely because of the relatively young mean age and the predominance of lacunar infarcts.