The diurnal variation of stroke in Ghana

Abstract

In 68 patients presenting with stroke in Ghana a significant (P < 0.001) peak in onsets occurred between 0600 h and 1000 h. There were no significant differences in time of onset between men and women or hypertensive and non-hypertensive patients. Reasons for the peak of onsets are discussed. A similar diurnal pattern of stroke has been described in temperate countries: any benefits such as timing of prophylactic measures that ensue from research on stroke in temperate climates are likely to be of benefit if also applied to those at risk of stroke in a tropical climate.