How common is a stroke

Pro Research Analysisby

Searched over 200M research papers

Analyzed relevant papers

Consensus Meter

Yes

Possibly

Prevalence and Incidence of Stroke Worldwide

Global Stroke Prevalence and Mortality Rates

Stroke is a significant global health issue, with an estimated 4.5 million deaths annually and over 9 million stroke survivors worldwide. It is the second leading cause of death and the third most common cause of disability globally. The prevalence rate of stroke is approximately 5 per thousand population.

Stroke Incidence Rates

The incidence of stroke varies significantly across different regions. For instance, the incidence rates range from 41 per 100,000 population per year in Nigeria to 316 per 100,000 per year in urban Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania. In the United States, about 795,000 strokes occur each year, equating to one stroke every 40 seconds. The overall incidence rate of stroke is around 2-2.5 per thousand population.

Types of Stroke

Ischemic stroke is the most common type, accounting for about 80% of all stroke cases, while hemorrhagic stroke accounts for the remaining 20% . In China, ischemic strokes are more frequent, with cerebral infarction making up 62.4% of stroke cases, compared to 27.5% for intracerebral hemorrhage.

Age and Gender Differences in Stroke Incidence

Stroke incidence is higher in men than in women, with men having a 33% higher incidence rate and a 41% higher prevalence rate than women. The mean age at first-ever stroke is 68.6 years for men and 72.9 years for women. Almost one in four men and nearly one in five women aged 45 years can expect to have a stroke if they live to their 85th year.

Recurrence and Long-term Impact

The risk of stroke recurrence within five years ranges from 15-40%. One year after a stroke, 65% of survivors are functionally independent, although stroke remains a major cause of adult disability. The aging population and improvements in stroke management have led to an increase in the number of stroke survivors requiring long-term treatment.

Conclusion

Stroke is a prevalent and serious health issue worldwide, with significant variations in incidence and prevalence across different regions and populations. Ischemic stroke is the most common type, and men are generally at higher risk than women. The long-term impact of stroke is substantial, necessitating ongoing efforts in prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation to manage this global health challenge effectively.