Occupational risk factors in the epidemiology of stroke

Introduction: Presently there are enough data and studies related to the significance of standard stroke risk factors. The occupational risk factors in the epidemiology of stroke remain poorly studied not only globally but in Bulgaria as well.Aim: The aim of this article is to study the role of occupational risk factors in the epidemiology of stroke.Materials and Methods: In the presented data we have analyzed all of the patients of at a working age, diagnosed with a stroke, treated in Second Neurological Clinic at St. Marina University Hospital, Varna, for a period of 6 months. All the patients have filled out a questionnaire in which, apart from the standard risk factors of a cerebrovascular disease, participants were also asked about their career, its potential harmful effects on their health and stress levels.Results: All of the patients (174 total), at a mean age of 54, were divided into two groups depending on the kind of work they do (mainly physical or mainly intellectual work) and the length of their work experience (10 or less years on the job or more than 10 years). The results showed that 78% of the patients with stroke had a job that was mainly physical. The patients with more than 10 years of work experience were 86.8% with ischemic stroke, of which 90.7%—with mainly mental work.Conclusion: Occupational risk factors have a role in the epidemiology and pathogenesis of strokes.