Epidemiological transition and distribution of stroke incidence in Tianjin, China, 1988–2010

Abstract

ObjectivesTo examine the trends in epidemiological transition of stroke over the last two decades in Tianjin, and investigate the subtypes of stroke. Study designA population-based epidemiological study using data from the Stroke Incidence Surveillance System of the Tianjin Centres for Disease Control and Prevention from 1988 to 2010. MethodsAlmost 500,000 cases were analysed to examine changes in the incidence of stroke between 1988 and 2010 by age, sex, subtype, year and urban/rural status. ResultsThe incidence of stroke amongst males increased from 136.8/100,000 in 1988 to 387.0/100,000 in 2010, and the incidence amongst females increased from 65.9/100,000 in 1988 to 249.7/100,000 in 2010. Over the study period, the proportion of haemorrhagic strokes decreased and the proportion of ischaemic strokes increased sharply in both men and woman; the differences were significant. ConclusionThe distribution of stroke subtypes changed dramatically over the study period. Changes in trend and subtypes of stroke have raised new challenges and there is a need for adjustment for stroke prevention in Tianjin.