Global Study of Stroke Risk Factors

A study revealed that stroke remains a major global health challenge, influenced by numerous risk factors that vary across regions and populations. The study analyzed stroke-related mortality from 1990 to 2021 using Global Burden of Disease 2021 data, focusing on three primary stroke subtypes: ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, and subarachnoid hemorrhage. In 2021, the age-standardized global death rates per 100,000 people were 44.18 for ischemic stroke, 39.09 for intracerebral hemorrhage, and 4.18 for subarachnoid hemorrhage. Risk factors for stroke-related deaths varied by region, age, and sex, with the most severe impacts observed in low-sociodemographic index (SDI) regions, older adults, and men. While most risk factors have declined globally—particularly in high-SDI areas—low-SDI regions continue to face significant challenges, such as household air pollution from solid fuels. High systolic blood pressure emerged as the strongest risk factor for all stroke types, especially among older adults. Additionally, rising age-standardized death rates linked to high body mass index and ambient particulate matter pollution are particularly concerning in middle- and low-SDI regions. Moving forward, stroke prevention strategies should prioritize blood pressure control and environmental improvements, especially for vulnerable populations in low-SDI settings. Source: https://www.ahajournals.org/