OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to identify the risk factors of extracranial carotid atherosclerosis in patients with first-ever ischemic stroke.

    MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 541 consecutive first-ever ischemic stroke patients were enrolled in the present study. We examined clinical and laboratory factors that were potentially relevant to extracranial carotid artery atherosclerosis. The degree of carotid stenosis was diagnosed based on B-mode ultrasonography.

    RESULTS: The sample contained 325 men and 216 women. Among these patients, 80% had a < 50% carotid stenosis and 20% had a > or = 50% carotid stenosis. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that age (odds ratio = 2.15, 95% CI = 1.06-1.11, P < 0.001) and smoking (odds ratio = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.17-3.54, P = 0.012) were significantly associated with > or = 50% carotid stenosis.

    CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, age and smoking are found to be the independent risk factors for carotid atherosclerosis. The identification of these risk factors may improve our knowledge in the primary prevention of ischemic stroke in Taiwan.