To determine the prevalence and frequency of testing for Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB) as a modifiable risk factor of Acute Ischemic Stroke(AIS) at a comprehensive stroke center(CSC).

Early recognition of modifiable risk factors in AIS  is essential for optimizing secondary prevention. In this sense, Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB) has  been suggested as a modifiable and independent risk factor for stroke. Some studies have demonstrated that patients with stroke and SDB have an increased risk of death or new vascular events. Despite strong evidence linking SDB to ischemic stroke, evaluation for SDB is rarely performed in patients presenting with an acute ischemic stroke

We performed a retrospective review of all patients at or above the age of 18 who were admitted to the acute stroke service at a Comprehensive Stroke Center (Upstate Medical University) from July 2014 to December 2014. Demographic data, etiology of stroke as  per TOAST criteria, modifiable risk factors, presenting NIHSS, frequency of testing for SDB and their results were collected.  The data was consolidated and tabulated by using STATA version 14.

A total of 240 patients met our inclusion criteria. Only 10% patients (n=24) received evaluation for SDB. Out of those evaluated, 62.5% (n=15) had findings concerning for SDB. A total of 8 stroke physicians were involved in the care of these patients. Only 25% of stroke physicians (n=2) tested for SDB in more than 10% of their patients.

SDB is a modifiable risk factor for AIS,  but is rarely tested. Our observations highlight the paucity in evaluation for SDB in AIS. Greater emphasis must be placed on evaluation for SDB in patients with AIS. ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú must be provided to all patients and providers regarding identification of this risk factor.