Can strokes kill you

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Can Strokes Kill You?

Stroke Mortality Rates

Strokes are a significant cause of death globally. In the United States, stroke is the third leading cause of death, following coronary heart disease and cancer, with approximately 150,000 of the 500,000 annual stroke cases being fatal. Worldwide, strokes account for about 4.5 million deaths each year. In Korea, stroke is responsible for roughly 1 in every 10 deaths, with more than 26,000 fatalities annually. Globally, stroke ranks as the second leading cause of death, with an annual mortality rate of about 5.5 million.

Types of Stroke and Their Fatality

There are two main types of strokes: ischemic and hemorrhagic. Ischemic strokes, which account for about 80% of all strokes, are caused by blockages in the blood vessels supplying the brain. Hemorrhagic strokes, although less common, are responsible for a higher proportion of stroke-related deaths and disability-adjusted life years lost. The case-fatality rates for strokes vary significantly by type and region. For instance, in Korea, the 90-day mortality rate is 3-7% for ischemic strokes and 17% for intracerebral hemorrhage.

Regional Variations in Stroke Mortality

Stroke mortality rates differ across countries and regions. For example, crude mortality from stroke is highest in countries like Kazakhstan, Bulgaria, and Greece. In high-income countries, improvements in prevention, acute treatment, and neurorehabilitation have led to a substantial decrease in stroke mortality over the past 30 years. However, in low- and middle-income countries, the incidence and mortality rates are increasing, partly due to aging populations and limited access to healthcare.

Impact of Stroke Units and Treatments

The establishment of stroke units has significantly reduced the number of patients left dead or dependent due to stroke. Coordinated stroke unit care can reduce the number of patients who die or become dependent by 56 per 1,000 patients treated. Additionally, treatments like aspirin, when administered soon after an ischemic stroke, can reduce the chance of death or disability by about 12 per 1,000 treated patients. Despite these advancements, the overall impact of treatments like thrombolysis remains limited due to their high cost and complexity.

Conclusion

In summary, strokes are a major cause of death worldwide, with significant variations in mortality rates depending on the type of stroke and the region. While advancements in stroke care and treatment have reduced mortality rates in high-income countries, the global burden of stroke remains substantial. Effective prevention, timely treatment, and the establishment of stroke units are crucial in reducing stroke-related deaths and improving outcomes for stroke survivors.