Stroke awareness among cardiovascular disease patients.

Background: The early recognition of stroke signs and symptoms is of great relevance concerning the outcome, since it enhances the chances of thrombolytic therapy use.

Purpose: To compare the knowledge of stroke among a community-based sample and patients treated in a cardiologic clinic.

Method: We applied a questionnaire during one morning to people who were walking in a park (Pa) and spontaneously stopped at a health tent and during one week to patients of a cardiologic clinic (Ca).