ObjectiveTo analyze the patterns of recurrent strokes among patients with initial ischemic stroke and investigate the possible predictors of recurrent ischemic stroke. MethodPatients with recurrent strokes after initial ischemic strokes hospitalized in our hospital between January 2008 and December 2012 were included in the study, and the data of general demographic information, life history, past medical history and laboratory test results were all retrospectively analyzed. The patterns of recurrent strokes in patients with initial ischemic stroke were analyzed, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the independent risk factors for recurrent ischemic stroke. ResultsA total of 237 patients were included in this study, including 198 patients with recurrent ischemic stroke and 39 patients with recurrent hemorrhagic stroke. Among patients with recurrent ischemic stroke, there were 137 patients with anterior circulation stroke, 52 with posterior circulation stroke and 9 with multiple infarction. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that older age at initial stroke onset[OR=1.968, 95%CI (1.533, 2.152), P=0.009], frequent mood swings[OR=1.345, 95%CI (1.121, 1.783), P=0.011], hyperlipidemia[OR=1.436, 95%CI (1.216, 1.732), P=0.018] and atrial fibrillation[OR=3.417, 95%CI (2.927, 4.897), P=0.005] were independent risk factors for recurrent ischemic stroke. ConclusionsIschemic stroke is the most common pattern of recurrent strokes; and aging, frequent mood swings, hyperlipidemia and atrial fibrillation are possible predictors of recurrent ischemic stroke after the initial ischemic stroke.