Do people die from strokes
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Consensus Meter
Do People Die from Strokes?
Stroke Mortality Rates
Strokes are a significant cause of death globally. They are the second leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for a substantial number of fatalities each year . In 2010, stroke-related deaths were estimated at 5.9 million, and this number has been increasing over the years. By 2019, the number of deaths due to stroke had risen to 6.55 million, making it the second-leading cause of death globally.
Regional Differences in Stroke Mortality
The burden of stroke mortality varies significantly between high-income and low- to middle-income countries. In high-income countries, stroke mortality rates have decreased significantly due to better prevention, acute treatment, and neurorehabilitation . However, in low- and middle-income countries, the incidence and mortality rates of stroke have increased, with these regions bearing the majority of the global stroke burden . For instance, 87% of stroke-related deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.
Types of Stroke and Associated Mortality
There are different types of strokes, including ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, and subarachnoid hemorrhage, each with varying mortality rates. Hemorrhagic strokes, which include intracerebral and subarachnoid hemorrhages, are responsible for more deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost compared to ischemic strokes . For example, the 28-day mortality rate for intracerebral hemorrhage is significantly higher than for ischemic stroke.
Sudden Death from Stroke
Strokes can also lead to sudden death, defined as death occurring within 24 hours of symptom onset. Strokes account for 10-20% of all sudden deaths, with primary intracerebral and subarachnoid hemorrhages being the most common causes. Hypertension is a significant risk factor for these types of strokes, contributing to their high mortality rates.
Risk Factors and Prevention
Several modifiable risk factors contribute to stroke mortality, including hypertension, elevated lipids, diabetes, smoking, low physical activity levels, unhealthy diet, and abdominal obesity . Effective prevention strategies targeting these risk factors have proven successful in reducing stroke mortality, even in some low-income settings.
Conclusion
In summary, strokes are a major cause of death worldwide, with significant regional disparities in mortality rates. While high-income countries have seen a decline in stroke mortality due to improved healthcare, low- and middle-income countries continue to experience high and increasing rates of stroke-related deaths. Addressing modifiable risk factors through effective prevention strategies is crucial in reducing the global burden of stroke mortality.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic