The incidence and mortality from strokes have been steadily declining over the past 30 years, but their overall numbers remain high, especially in high- and middle-income countries, according to a new international scientific study. Globally, women have higher rates of ischemic stroke than men, especially those aged 50-69, and older.
The study, which focused on ischemic strokes (caused by thrombosis and make up 85% of the total), analyzed data from 1990-2019 and found that during this period the incidence of strokes worldwide decreased from 105 strokes per 100,000 people to 95 per 100,000.
The researchers, led by Dr. Liyuan Khan of the University of China Academy of Sciences, who published the paper in the American Academy of Neurology’s “Neurology” journal, said the decline was “probably due to better medical services now income, which can allow the most timely detection of risk factors for stroke, as well as better control of these risk factors “. However, they point out that “even in developed countries the total number of people with stroke is increasing due to population growth and aging. Thus, worldwide stroke is the leading cause of death and a major cause of adult disability.”
The highest rates of stroke occur in East Asia (144 per 100,000 inhabitants) and then in North Africa, the Middle East and Eastern Europe (from about 135 per 100,000), while the lowest occur in Australia (44 per 100,000). At country level, the problem is greatest in the United Arab Emirates (208 per 100,000), Northern Macedonia (187 per 100,000) and Jordan (181 per 100,000). The lowest rates are observed in Ireland (36 / 100,000), Nepal (37 / 100,000) and Switzerland (38 / 100,000). The largest increase over time is recorded in Egypt and China.
Corresponding to the frequency of strokes, stroke mortality has decreased slightly by 1.6% over the last three decades, but deaths in absolute numbers remain high. Globally the proportion of deaths relative to the population has decreased between 1990-2019 from 66 deaths to 44 per 100,000 people. The highest mortality rates are in Eastern Europe (100 deaths per 100,000 people), Central Asia (79 / 100,000) and Central Europe (67 / 100,000). The lowest mortality rates are in North America (only 16 per 100,000) and in Australia (17 / 100,000).
The researchers point out that “since ischemic stroke can be prevented to a very large extent, it is essential to devote more resources to its prevention, especially in low- and middle-income countries, where economic growth is leading to changes in diet and lifestyle.” “which may increase the risk factors for stroke.” As Hahn said, “it has been estimated that at least half of strokes can be prevented if effective lifestyle changes are made, such as hypertension, obesity, smoking and inactivity.”
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