Background: We describe the epidemiological trends of transient ischemic attack (TIA) in a 20-year population-based pilot study.
Methods: Trends in the incidence, risk factors and pre-TIA use of preventive treatments for TIA were observed from 1985 to 2004 according to the classic definition in the population of the city of Dijon, France (150,000 inhabitants).
Results: The raw and standardized incidence of TIA were stable over time. We observed a significant increase in the mean age at TIA onset in women only. The prevalence of hypercholesterolemia and diastolic blood pressure > or =90 mm Hg among patients with TIA increased significantly. This contrasts with falls in smoking and in history of previous myocardial infarction.
Conclusion: The stability of classic TIA incidence, despite the rise in the proportion of elderly people, and the increase in the mean age at onset in women may be considered as a medical progress.