Buffalo metropolitan area and Erie County stroke study: rationale, design, and methods

OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of this study was to define the incidence, disability, and death associated with stroke in the Buffalo metropolitan area and Erie County. This area has the highest stroke rate in New York State and therefore represents an ideal site to develop a successful model for prevention and management of stroke. DESIGN: A cross-sectional design to study all new and recurrent strokes that occurred in the calendar year 2000 in the geographical location of Buffalo metropolitan area and Erie County. PATIENTS AND DATA COLLECTED: A retrospective review of an estimated 5,000 patients with new stroke will be performed at regional hospitals and the coroner's office to determine the stroke subtypes, cerebrovascular risk factors, diagnostic investigations, treatment provided, and outcome. The total population residing in Buffalo in the year 2000 is available through the recent census. The study will also evaluate the quality of care provided for stroke patients including effectiveness of primary and secondary stroke prevention measures within this geographical region. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that this information will assist in allocation of resources and implementation of steps to improve stroke prevention and treatment.