Acute Stroke: Demographic and Comorbidity Patterns in Ras Al Khaimah - A Retrospective Hospital-Based Study

Purpose Stroke is a major global burden, and in the United Arab Emirates, it occurs younger. This study aims to address the regional data gap by analyzing stroke data from Ibrahim Bin Hamad Obaidullah Hospital in Ras Al Khaima, a certified public stroke referral centre for the Northern Emirates. Methods This retrospective cohort study analyzed all adult patients discharged with a principal diagnosis of acute stroke between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2024, using data from the hospital’s stroke records. Results A total of 837 patients were included, with a mean age of 55.7 ± 14.3 years (range 20–109). Men comprised 76.2% of the cohort and experienced stroke at a significantly younger age than women (54 ± 13.2 vs. 61.2 ± 16.4 years, p < 0.001). Ischaemic stroke accounted for 81.0% of cases, while 19.0% were Haemorrhagic, with younger patients predominating (25.6% vs. 17.4%). The most prevalent comorbidities were hypertension (75.2%), followed by diabetes mellitus (49.5%). Women had higher rates of hypertension, diabetes, and atrial fibrillation, while smoking predominated in men (31.7% vs. 1.9%). Stroke recurrence occurred in 15.4% of patients and was associated with age, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension; atrial fibrillation showed a borderline association. No significant association was found with sex, smoking status, or stroke subtype. Conclusions These findings highlight a distinct epidemiological pattern characterized by younger stroke onset, a high vascular risk factor burden, and significant sex differences. Underscoring the need for prevention strategies, risk factor management and multicenter research.