Posters
Stroke Risk in the Rio Grande Valley: A Demographic and Comorbidity-Based Perspective
Presenting Author Academic/Professional Position
Elio Garcia Sosa MS4
Academic Level (Author 1)
Medical Student
Discipline Track
Community/Public Health
Abstract Type
Program Abstract
Abstract
Background: Stroke remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. The Rio Grande Valley (RGV), a medically underserved region with a predominantly Hispanic population, carries a significant burden of stroke-related comorbidities. This study aims to describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of stroke patients in the RGV and identify high-risk subgroups for delayed prehospital presentation.
Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted using de-identified data from 3,121 adult patients at UT Health Rio Grande Valley with ICD-10 codes for ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, or transient ischemic attack. Variables analyzed included age, sex, BMI, race, ethnicity, and key comorbidities such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. Descriptive statistics were used to identify trends and stratify risk by subgroup.
Results: The median patient age was approximately 60 years, with most patients aged 50–70. Comorbidities were highly prevalent, particularly among Hispanic/Latino individuals identifying as White or Other Race. Female patients were overrepresented in several high-risk subgroups. The most common comorbidities were type 2 diabetes (16.1%), hypertension (15.1%), and hyperlipidemia (13.9%). Risk factor prevalence increased with age and BMI.
Conclusion: This study highlights key demographic and clinical patterns in stroke-prone populations of the RGV. Identifying these high-risk groups is essential for developing targeted, culturally sensitive interventions aimed at improving stroke recognition and reducing prehospital delays. These findings support further research into healthcare disparities and community-based strategies for stroke prevention in underserved regions.
Presentation Type
Poster
Recommended Citation
Garcia Sosa, Elio E., "Stroke Risk in the Rio Grande Valley: A Demographic and Comorbidity-Based Perspective" (2025). Research Colloquium. 39.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/colloquium/2025/posters/39
Stroke Risk in the Rio Grande Valley: A Demographic and Comorbidity-Based Perspective
Background: Stroke remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. The Rio Grande Valley (RGV), a medically underserved region with a predominantly Hispanic population, carries a significant burden of stroke-related comorbidities. This study aims to describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of stroke patients in the RGV and identify high-risk subgroups for delayed prehospital presentation.
Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted using de-identified data from 3,121 adult patients at UT Health Rio Grande Valley with ICD-10 codes for ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, or transient ischemic attack. Variables analyzed included age, sex, BMI, race, ethnicity, and key comorbidities such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. Descriptive statistics were used to identify trends and stratify risk by subgroup.
Results: The median patient age was approximately 60 years, with most patients aged 50–70. Comorbidities were highly prevalent, particularly among Hispanic/Latino individuals identifying as White or Other Race. Female patients were overrepresented in several high-risk subgroups. The most common comorbidities were type 2 diabetes (16.1%), hypertension (15.1%), and hyperlipidemia (13.9%). Risk factor prevalence increased with age and BMI.
Conclusion: This study highlights key demographic and clinical patterns in stroke-prone populations of the RGV. Identifying these high-risk groups is essential for developing targeted, culturally sensitive interventions aimed at improving stroke recognition and reducing prehospital delays. These findings support further research into healthcare disparities and community-based strategies for stroke prevention in underserved regions.
