Stroke in Korea

Abstract

Stroke is the second most important cause of death, followed by cancer, in Korea. There has been no evidence of decrease in stroke mortality until recently. Although intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) outnumbered cerebral infarction (CI) before 1980, recent large hospital registry studies reported that the proportion of ICH is approximately 20%. As compared with the western population, small arterial disease is relatively common and cardiogenic embolism is uncommon. The middle cerebral artery is the most common site of atherosclerosis in patients with ischemic stroke. Hypertension is present in 60–70%, and diabetes mellitus in 25–30% among admitted stroke patients. Increased intake of fat or animal protein and increased incidence of diabetes mellitus appear to explain the decrease in ICH in our country. The stroke knowledge of the general population is deviated from scientific facts, possibly due to the strong influence of alternative medicine. Moreover, due to an increase in life expectancy and decrease in birth rate, the proportion of aged population increases rapidly. Therefore, stroke will remain as a major social burden in Korea. Nationwide efforts are required for risk factor reduction, stroke education and the proper care of stroke patients.