Prevalence Rates Of Stroke Research Articles

Global, Regional and Country-Specific Burden of Ischaemic Stroke, Intracerebral Haemorrhage and Subarachnoid Haemorrhage: A Systematic Analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017

Background: Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in globally and particularly in low- and middle-income countries, and this burden is increasing. The burden of stroke pathological subtypes varies in terms of incidence, disability and mortality. Previous Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Studies (GBD) reports did not provide separate global burden and trends estimates for haemorrhagic stroke by primary intracerebral haemorrhage (PICH) and subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). Aim: To summarise the GBD 2017 findings for the burden and 27-year trends for ischaemic stroke (IS), intracerebral haemorrhage and SAH by age, sex and country income level in 21 world regions and associated risk factors. Methods: Data on stroke incidence, prevalence, mortality and disability-adjusted life-years (DALY) lost and the burden of IS, PICH and SAH were derived from all available datasets from the GBD 2017 studies. Data were analysed in terms of absolute numbers and age-standardised rates per 100,000 (95% uncertainty interval [UI]), with estimates stratified by age, sex and economic development level by the World Bank classification. We also analysed changes in the patterns of incidence, mortality and DALYs estimates between 1990 and 2017. Results: In 2017, there were 11.9 million incident (95% UI 11.1–12.8), 104.2 million prevalent (98.6–110.2), 6.2 million fatal (6.0–6.3) cases of stroke and 132.1 million stroke-related DALYs (126.5–137.4). Although stroke incidence, prevalence, mortality and DALY rates declined from 1990 to 2017, the absolute number of people who developed new stroke, died, survived or remained disabled from stroke has almost doubled. The bulk of stroke burden (80% all incident strokes, 77% all stroke survivors, 87% of all deaths from stroke and 89 of all stroke-related DALYs) in 2017 was in low- to middle-income countries. Globally in 2017, IS constituted 65%, PICH –26% and SAH –9% of all incident strokes. Discussion: The latest GBD estimates of stroke burden in 195 countries supersede previous GBD stroke burden findings and provide most accurate data for stroke care planning and resource allocation globally, regionally and for 195 countries. Stroke remains the second leading cause of deaths and disability worldwide. The increased stroke burden continues to exacerbate a huge pressure on people affected by stroke, their families and societies. It is imperative to develop and implement more effective primary prevention strategies to reduce stroke burden and its impact.

The future incidence, prevalence and costs of stroke in the UK.

Backgroundwe project incidence and prevalence of stroke in the UK and associated costs to society to 2035. We include future costs of health care, social care, unpaid care and lost productivity, drawing on recent estimates that there are almost 1 million people living with stroke and the current cost of their care is £26 billion.Methodswe developed a model to produce projections, building on earlier work to estimate the costs of stroke care by age, gender and other characteristics. Our cell-based simulation model uses the 2014-based Office for National Statistics population projections; future trends in incidence and prevalence rates of stroke derived from an expert consultation exercise; and data from the Office for Budget Responsibility on expected future changes in productivity and average earnings.Resultsbetween 2015 and 2035, the number of strokes in the UK per year is projected to increase by 60% and the number of stroke survivors is projected to more than double. Under current patterns of care, the societal cost is projected to almost treble in constant prices over the period. The greatest increase is projected to be in social care costs—both public and private—which we anticipate will rise by as much as 250% between 2015 and 2035.Conclusionthe costs of stroke care in the UK are expected to rise rapidly over the next two decades unless measures to prevent strokes and to reduce the disabling effects of strokes can be successfully developed and implemented.

DOP45 Increased prevalence but not incidence of myocardial infarction and stroke in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases in Quebec in 1996–2015

Abstract Background Chronic inflammatory diseases have been linked to increased risk of atherothrombotic events, but the risk associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is conflictive. We, therefore, examined the risk of and risk factors for myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke in patients with IBD in Quebec. Methods We used the public health administrative database from the Province of Québec to identify newly diagnosed IBD patients between 1996 and 2015 with established case ascertainment algorithm. Incidence and prevalence of stroke and myocardial infarction were defined using ICD codes found in primary, secondary care visits or admission. Comorbidity analysis was performed by both using a logistic regression or a Poisson model with outcome rates for 1000 person-years adjusted for age and sex along with one comorbidity of interest, or with medical therapy as a time-varying variable. Significant variables (p < 0.05) were added to a multivariable models along with age and sex. Analyses were run overall and stratified by disease type. Incidence rate ratios, 95% CIs and p-values were computed. Results In total, 34 644 newly diagnosed IBD patients (CD: 59.5%) were identified. The prevalence but not incidence rates of MI was higher in IBD (prevalence at the end on 2013: 3.98%, OR:2.03 95% CI: 1.92–2.15, incidence: 0.234 per 1000 patient-years) compared with the background Canadian rates (prevalence in 2012–2013: 2.0%, incidence: 0.220 per 1000 patient-years), while the prevalence and incidence rates of stroke were not significantly higher in IBD (prevalence in 2012–2013: 2.98%, OR: 1.15 95% CI:1.08–1.23, incidence: 0.122 per 1000 patient-years vs Canadian rates: (prevalence in 2012–2013: 2.60%, incidence: 0.297 per 1000 patient-years). We identified age, sex, hyperlipidaemia and hypertension (p < 0.001 for each) as risk factors for developing MI and stroke in both CD and UC. Diabetes was identified as an additional risk factor for MI in CD and stroke in UC. Exposure to biologicals was associated with a higher incidence of MI compared with the non-treatment group (IRR: 1.51, 95% CI: 0.82–2.76, p = 0.07) in the insured IBD population. Conclusion Increased prevalence but not incidence of MI and no increased risk of stroke was identified in this population-based IBD cohort from Quebec. Risk factors for both MI and stroke included age, sex, hyperlipidaemia, hypertension and diabetes in IBD. Exposure to biologicals, reflecting disease severity in administrative databases, was associated with a higher incidence rate ratio for MI in IBD.

Oxidative Stress at the Crossroads of Aging, Stroke and Depression.

Epidemiologic studies have shown that in the aging society, a person dies from stroke every 3 minutes and 42 seconds, and vast numbers of people experience depression around the globe. The high prevalence and disability rates of stroke and depression introduce enormous challenges to public health. Accumulating evidence reveals that stroke is tightly associated with depression, and both diseases are linked to oxidative stress (OS). This review summarizes the mechanisms of OS and OS-mediated pathological processes, such as inflammation, apoptosis, and the microbial-gut-brain axis in stroke and depression. Pathological changes can lead to neuronal cell death, neurological deficits, and brain injury through DNA damage and the oxidation of lipids and proteins, which exacerbate the development of these two disorders. Additionally, aging accelerates the progression of stroke and depression by overactive OS and reduced antioxidant defenses. This review also discusses the efficacy and safety of several antioxidants and antidepressants in stroke and depression. Herein, we propose a crosstalk between OS, aging, stroke, and depression, and provide potential therapeutic strategies for the treatment of stroke and depression.

A hospital-based study of post-stroke aphasia: frequency, risk factors, and topographic representation

Background and objectiveThe crude prevalence rate of stroke in Qena, Egypt, is high (922/100,000). For the first time, we estimate the frequency of aphasia following the first-ever ischemic stroke and its relationship to the site of lesion in Arabic-speaking countries.MethodsThe study was conducted on 180 acute or subacute ischemic stroke patients. Aphasia was diagnosed with the short form of the Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination after establishment of the cases (at least 10 days of stroke onset). Computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging were performed for topographic localization of stroke, and routine laboratory investigations were done to evaluate the possible stroke risk factors.ResultsThe frequency of post-stroke aphasia was recorded in 20%, and atrial fibrillation (AF) represents a high-risk factor for ischemic stroke with aphasia. The following categories were observed: global aphasia in 50%, motor aphasia in 27.7%, sensory aphasia in 11.1%, nominal aphasia in 2.8%, and conductive aphasia in 8.3%. Global aphasia was mainly associated with complete middle cerebral artery (MCA) territories infarction. Motor aphasia was associated mainly with frontal or frontoparietal operculum lesions as well as basal ganglionic lesions. Sensory aphasia was associated with temporal lobe lesions, inferior parietal lobe, and basal ganglia. Conductive aphasia showed lesions in the deep white matter of the frontal and parietal lobes. Anomic aphasia was associated with inferior parietal lobe lesion.ConclusionOur data are consistent with other reports as regards the frequency and risk factors of post-stroke aphasia. Atrial fibrillation represents a high-risk factor for ischemic strokes with aphasia. Global and motor aphasia are the major subtypes. The lesion locations are predictive of aphasia subtypes.

Correlation between significant asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis and severity of peripheral arterial occlusive disease in the lower limb: a retrospective study on 200 patients

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between significant asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis (ACAS) and severity of peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) in the lower limb, and to investigate the risk factors for significant ACAS in patients with lower limb PAOD.MethodsTwo hundred patients with lower limb PAOD were retrospectively reviewed. Baseline data, medical history and potential risk factors were collected. Lower limb PAOD was classified as stage IIA, stage IIB, stage III and stage IV. The carotid artery stenosis was classified as significant ACAS and non-significant ACAS. Multiple logistic regression estimated odds ratio of the risk factors.ResultsCompared to patients with non-significant ACAS, the patients with significant ACAS were significantly older in age and had greater percentage of cigarette-smoking andalcohol beverage consumption, and higher levels of total cholesterol and fibrinogen. There was no significant difference in sex, diabetes, hypertension, coronary heart disease and triglyceride between the two groups. The prevalence rate of significant ACAS increased with the stage of lower limb PAOD and with age. Advanced age and hypercholesteremia were risk factors for significant ACAS in this cohort. The prevalence rate of stroke increased with ACAS stage.ConclusionThe results suggested that the prevalence rate of significant ACAS was positively correlated with the severity of lower limb PAOD and age. Advanced age and hypercholesteremia appeared to be potential risk factors for significant ACAS in patients with lower limb PAOD.

Socioeconomic status and stroke incidence, prevalence, mortality, and worldwide burden: an ecological analysis from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017

BackgroundSocioeconomic status (SES) is associated with stroke incidence and mortality. Distribution of stroke risk factors is changing worldwide; evidence on these trends is crucial to the allocation of resources for prevention strategies to tackle major modifiable risk factors with the highest impact on stroke burden.MethodsWe extracted data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2017. We analysed trends in global and SES-specific age-standardised stroke incidence, prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost from 1990 to 2017. We also estimated the age-standardised attributable risk of stroke mortality associated with common risk factors in low-, low-middle-, upper-middle-, and high-income countries. Further, we explored the effect of age and sex on associations of risk factors with stroke mortality from 1990 to 2017.ResultsDespite a growth in crude number of stroke events from 1990 to 2017, there has been an 11.3% decrease in age-standardised stroke incidence rate worldwide (150.5, 95% uncertainty interval [UI] 140.3–161.8 per 100,000 in 2017). This has been accompanied by an overall 3.1% increase in age-standardised stroke prevalence rate (1300.6, UI 1229.0–1374.7 per 100,000 in 2017) and a 33.4% decrease in age-standardised stroke mortality rate (80.5, UI 78.9–82.6 per 100,000 in 2017) over the same time period. The rising trends in age-standardised stroke prevalence have been observed only in middle-income countries, despite declining trends in age-standardised stroke incidence and mortality in all income categories since 2005. Further, there has been almost a 34% reduction in stroke death rate (67.8, UI 64.1–71.1 per 100,000 in 2017) attributable to modifiable risk factors, more prominently in wealthier countries.ConclusionsAlmost half of stroke-related deaths are attributable to poor management of modifiable risk factors, and thus potentially preventable. We should appreciate societal barriers in lower-SES groups to design tailored preventive strategies. Despite improvements in general health knowledge, access to healthcare, and preventative strategies, SES is still strongly associated with modifiable risk factors and stroke burden; thus, screening of people from low SES at higher stroke risk is crucial.

Disease and disparity in China: a view from stroke and MI disease

BackgroundThe actual distribution of stroke and myocardial infarction (MI) associated with social economic status (SES) among the Chinese population is unclear. We aim to understand the development of disparity in stroke and myocardial infarction (MI) across different income groups in Chinese population.MethodsData about stroke and MI disease, income, gender, and areas were obtained from China Chronic Disease and Risk Factor (CCDRF) Survey in 2007, 2010, and 2013. Respondents were categorized into different income groups according to their income rank, disease rate was calculated in each group, and difference in disparities between genders, health behaviors, and areas were further identified. Association of disease prevalence rate and income was verified by logistic regression. Trends in stroke and MI disease prevalence rate across income gradients; trends in the correlation between stroke and MI disease prevalence rate and income over time; variation in stroke and MI disease levels and its disparity across income groups by gender, region, and health behavior. Disease prevalence rate is age-adjusted by using China census 2010 population structure as a standard.ResultsThree waves of survey were included, the sample size in each wave was 45,095 (year 2007), 84,117 (year 2010), and 134,962 (year 2013). Four major findings were delivered. First, the stroke and MI prevalence rate of Chinese population increased from 2007 to 2013. Second, for each survey wave, a negative correlation between stroke and MI risk with income was identified, and this correlation became weaker over time. The gap in stroke and MI prevalence rate between the richest people and the poorest people decreased from 2007 (gap = 2.5 percentage points) to 2013 (gap = 1.6 percentage points). Third, the identified health inequality varied across genders, regions, and health behaviors. For example, female population used to face a sharper decline in prevalence rate when income grew, this correlation, however, faded over time. The rural-urban difference in disease risk was found to be the largest in the bottom income group (in 2013, the prevalence rate in urban area was 5%, which was 1.8% higher than rural places), this rural-urban difference converged as income increased. Fourth, conditioning on the smoking behavior, the negative association of income and stroke and MI prevalence rate was identified, however, conditioning on the drinking behavior, the association of income and disease morbidity was inconclusive.ConclusionDuring 2007 and 2013, the Chinese residents experienced a growth in stroke and MI prevalence rate, meanwhile, the increase in income was associated with a decrease in prevalence rate. However, this health disparity became weaker over time since the prevalence rate was more equally distributed across income gradients as time passed by. Although male population faced a systematically higher stroke and MI disease risk than female, the prevalence disparity in different income groups were similar in both sexes in 2013. In addition, there were also regional differences in inequality in terms of the association of disease and income.

Prevalence and risk factors of stroke in the elderly in Northern China: data from the National Stroke Screening Survey

BackgroundThe overall global burden of stroke is considerable and increasing. In China, stroke is the leading cause of death and disability.MethodsFor this study, we used data from the National Stroke Screening Survey in 2012 and the 2010 Chinese population from sixth National Census of Populations to calculate a standardized (by age, gender, and education) stroke prevalence. Prevalence, risk factors, and management of stroke were compared by gender, age, and site.FindingsThe standardized prevalence rate of survival stroke patients in study population aged 60 and older was 4.94% in total. Hypertension was the most prevalent risk factor for stroke. Compared to men, women were more likely to have diabetes, obesity, elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and atrial fibrillation (P < 0.05). Men were far more likely to drink and smoke than women (P < 0.05). The rates of diabetes and atrial fibrillation were substantially higher in urban than those in rural stroke survivors (P < 0.05). Rural stroke survivors exhibited higher rates of smoking and alcohol consumption than urban stroke survivors (P < 0.05).InterpretationThe stroke prevalence in China is in line with median worldwide stroke prevalence. Traditional risk factors remain highly prevalent in stroke survivors, among which hypertension was the most common. Stroke prevalence rates and risk factors varied by age, sex, and sociogeological factors.

Abstract TP263: Is Altitude Associated With Ischemic Stroke in the Young?

Background: Stroke in the young (&lt; 45 years old) is rare, yet may be increasing in prevalence due to the rise in traditional risk factors such as hypertension and smoking status. Whether altitude is a risk factor for stroke in the young has not been examined. At our high elevation state (Colorado), we report a high prevalence of stroke in the young. We hypothesized that the rate of stroke in the young was positively associated with state elevation. Methods: We conducted an ecologic study utilizing the most recent data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUPnet- 2015), provided by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and U.S. Census data (2010). The proportion (%) of stroke admissions in the young within each state was identified from HCUPNet data using ICD9 diagnosis codes of 433-434. Prevalence rates (per 100,000 persons) of stroke in the young population within each state were calculated from US census data. Proportions and prevalence rates of stroke in the young were plotted against the average state elevation (feet above sea level) and examined with a generalized linear regression model. Results: HCUPNet data were available for 35 of 50 U.S. states. As shown in figure 1, high altitude states had the highest proportion of stroke admissions in young persons &lt; 45 years, which was highest in Colorado (5.6%, altitude 6,800 feet) and lowest in Rhode Island (2.3%, altitude 200 feet). However, contrary to our hypothesis, high altitude states reported the lowest prevalence rate of stroke in the young (Figure 1, p=0.002). The rate of stroke was highest in South Carolina (16.5/100,000 young persons, altitude 43 feet) and lowest in Wyoming (4.6/100,000, altitude 6,700 feet). Conclusions: This hypothesis generating data does not appear to support an association between higher stroke prevalence rates in the young in high altitude states. Still, clinicians at higher altitude states should remain vigilant and suspect ischemic stroke in younger persons.

Is Prevalence of Hypertension Increasing in First-Ever Stroke Patients?: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Stroke is a devastating and disabling cerebrovascular disease with some amount of residual deficit leading to economic loss. Recent Indian studies have shown a stroke prevalence rate of 471.58/100,000 populations. Hypertension has been known to be the main risk factor for causing stroke. Purpose: To investigate the prevalence of hypertension in first-ever stroke patients and its comparison with the previous stroke registry. Methods: The study was a hospital-based cross-sectional study. Consecutive patients, who were admitted in the Neurology ward of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India, were recruited for the study from the period July 2012 to January 2014. The stroke units consisted of a computerized record containing the details of all the admitted patients. Results: A total of 260 patients were recruited in which 194 (74.6%) were ischemic and 66 (25.4%) were hemorrhagic stroke patients. Hypertension was present in 169 (65%) patients. When compared with the previous stroke registry of 2,628 patients, hypertension was recorded in 1,503 (57.2%) patients. Conclusion: Our data show that there is an increase in the proportion of hypertension among first-ever stroke patients reported in AIIMS in the years 2012–2014 as compared to that reported in during the period 1998–2011.

Stroke Prevalence in a Coastal Town on the Black Sea Coast in Turkey: Community Based Study.

Background This study aims to determine the stroke prevalence in Akçakoca which is a rural area in Turkey. Methods The study was designed as a cross-sectional, door-to-door survey. The stroke questionnaire was completed by a trained team in the presence of the participants according to their answers. Based on the screenings, patients who had been diagnosed with stroke previously were reexamined by a neurologist and determined the prevalence values, risk factors, and stroke types. Results A total of 3750 people over 44 years old were reached in the screenings. It was determined that 83 people had previously suffered a stroke. The prevalence rate of stroke in those above 44 years was found to be 2.2 (98% confidence level and ± 2% margin of error). 70 (84.3%) patients had suffered an ischemic stroke while 12 (14.5%) had suffered a hemorrhagic stroke. Male/female ratio was 1.1. Conclusion The results of this study give the prevalence rate of stroke among the Turkish population living in a rural area. Due to a lack of other similar studies, it is impossible to make any data comparison. However, the results of this study help shed light on the stroke prevalence rate.

Stroke epidemiology in Karabük city Turkey: Community based study.

IntroductionStroke has been projected to increase in developing countries like Turkey. Information about the prevalence of stroke may uncover the etiology of stroke and overcome its impact burden. However, data is limited due to a lack of studies based in Turkey and neighboring regions. We aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of stroke in the Turkish city of Karabük and to pave the way for future epidemiological studies in Turkey.MethodsThe study was designed as a cross-sectional, door-to-door survey. The questionnaire was completed by a trained team in the presence of the participants according to their answers. Patients who had been diagnosed with stroke prior to the survey were re-examined by a neurologist.Results3131 persons who were above 44 years old were screened. 129 of them were found to have had a stroke previously. The prevalence rate of stroke above 44 years was found to be 4.12% (98% confidence level and ± 2% margin of error). 72.1% of stroke patients had hypertension. Male/female ratio was 0.72.ConclusionThis study showed a high prevalence rate of stroke in Karabük Turkey with a low male/female ratio when compared to other studies.

Epidemiology Investigation of stroke among Mongolian and Han population aged over 45 in Inner Mongolia

To discuss the status of epidemiology of stroke in the Mongolian and Han population aged over 45 years and to understand the treatment and prevention of stroke. Data collected on stroke populations aged over 45 years in the six areas in Inner Mongolia were analyzed by using stratified multi-stage cluster sampling. The prevalence rate of stroke in patients aged over 45 years in Inner Mongolia was 4.62%. The stroke prevalence rate increased with age in both males and females, the Han and Mongolian populations, and was higher in males than in females in Inner Mongolia. The prevalence rate of stroke in the Mongolian population was higher than in the Han population. The incidence rate of stroke in patients aged over 45 years in Inner Mongolia was 0.28%, of which the rate of relapsed ischemic stroke was 23.29%. The proportion of ischemic stroke in the stroke patients was higher than hemorrhagic stroke. The prevalence and incidence rates of stroke in patients aged over 45 years in Inner Mongolia were high. The prevalence rate of stroke in both the Han population and the Mongolian population increased with age. Ischemic stroke was the major form of stroke.

Statistical frameworks for setting cutoff points of metabolic syndrome criteria

ABSTRACTWe propose three statistical frameworks for determining the cutoff points of metabolic syndrome (MetS) criteria, consisting of six components that are the same as in widely used MetS definitions, e.g., the 2004 updated NCEP-ATPIII criteria. Several international organizations have proposed MetS definitions; no literature indicates that any of these definitions is based on statistical frameworks. For all the three frameworks, the cutoff points are set to maximize the observed prevalence rate of stroke and DM. The three frameworks differ in assumptions on the joint distribution of the six components. Using the cohort data from a regional hospital in Taiwan, we illustrate applications of the three frameworks and compare them with the updated NCEP-ATPIII definition and the 2009 consensus definition of IDF and AHA/NHLBI. The performance measure is the odds ratio, the odds of getting stroke or DM within subjects with MetS divided by the analogous odds for subjects without MetS. Our numerical results show that the odds ratios of the three frameworks are higher than those of the updated-NCEP and consensus definitions, showing that the proposed frameworks seem to provide a better association of MetS with stroke and DM.

Global Burden of Stroke.

On the basis of the GBD (Global Burden of Disease) 2013 Study, this article provides an overview of the global, regional, and country-specific burden of stroke by sex and age groups, including trends in stroke burden from 1990 to 2013, and outlines recommended measures to reduce stroke burden. It shows that although stroke incidence, prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life-years rates tend to decline from 1990 to 2013, the overall stroke burden in terms of absolute number of people affected by, or who remained disabled from, stroke has increased across the globe in both men and women of all ages. This provides a strong argument that "business as usual" for primary stroke prevention is not sufficiently effective. Although prevention of stroke is a complex medical and political issue, there is strong evidence that substantial prevention of stroke is feasible in practice. The need to scale-up the primary prevention actions is urgent.

Accelerated Health Declines among African Americans in the USA.

The weathering hypothesis, an explanation for race disparities in the USA, asserts that the health of African Americans begin to deteriorate prematurely compared to whites as a consequence of long-term exposure to social and environmental risk factors. Using data from 2000-2009 National Health Interview Surveys (NHIS), we sought to describe differences in age-related health outcomes in 619,130 African Americans and whites. Outcome measures included hypertension, diabetes, stroke, and cardiovascular disease. Using a mixed models approach to age-period-cohort analysis, we calculated age- and race-specific prevalence rates that accounted for the complex sampling design of NHIS. African Americans exhibited higher prevalence rates of hypertension, diabetes, and stroke than whites across all age groups. Consistent with the weathering hypothesis, African Americans exhibited equivalent prevalence rates for these three conditions 10years earlier than whites. This suggests that African Americans are acquiring age-related conditions prematurely compared to whites.

High Prevalence of Stroke in Rural Gadchiroli, India: A Community-Based Study

Background: In the near future, a majority of strokes are projected to occur in developing countries. However, population-level information on the prevalence of stroke from rural areas of developing countries, including India, is rare. We estimated the prevalence of stroke in a rural area of one of the most underdeveloped districts of India. Methods: Trained surveyors conducted a house-to-house survey using a validated screening questionnaire in a well-defined population of 45,053 living in 39 villages in a demographic surveillance site in Gadchiroli district. A trained physician and a neurologist evaluated screen-positive patients and diagnosed stroke using the World Health Organization's criteria. Results: In the screened population, 175 patients had stroke. The mean age of patients with stroke was 60.9 ± 14.7 years and 32.5% were women. The crude prevalence rate of stroke was 388.43 (95% CI 335.04-450.33) and the age-standardized prevalence rate of stroke was 535.58 (95% CI 492.41-583.01) per 100,000 population. The crude prevalence rate of stroke was significantly higher among men than among women (520 vs. 255/100,000 population, p < 0.05). Conclusion: In this prevalence study, conducted after a gap of 20 years in rural India, the prevalence of stroke was high and was more than twice the prevalence reported from the previous study. The prevalence was double among men compared to women. Stroke is emerging as a public health priority in rural India.

Prevalence of stroke and associated disability in Brazil: National Health Survey--2013.

There is scarce data about prevalence of stroke in Brazil. The National Health Survey (PNS) is a community-based epidemiological survey, with a nationally representative sample to assess the absolute numbers with respective prevalence rates of stroke and post-stroke disabilities. It was estimated 2,231.000 stroke and 568,000 stroke cases with severe disabilities. The point prevalences was 1.6% and 1.4% in men and women, respectively. The prevalences of post-stroke disabilities were 29.5% for men and 21.5% for women. Stroke prevalence rates increased with aging, low education level, among people living in urban areas with no difference according to self-reported skin color. The degree of post-stroke disability was not statistically different according to sex, race, education level or living area. This new data from PNS show high stroke prevalence rates especially in older individuals without formal education and urban dweller, but the degree of stroke disability was not determined by the sociodemographic characteristics of the Brazilian population.

Sodium intake and prevalence of hypertension, coronary heart disease, and stroke in Korean adults

BackgroundDespite all the research that has been conducted so far on the correlation between sodium intake and hypertension, coronary heart disease, and stroke, the results thereof have no consistency. MethodsBy utilizing the data of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, we carried out a more systematic investigation on sodium intake and prevalence rates in Korean adults. Sodium intake per kilogram, on which sodium intake is divided by weight, was applied to a model as a variable and the data has been separately analyzed according to sex. The total number of observed values after outlier elimination was 27,346, including 10,936 men and 16,410 women. ResultsIt was found that there is a positive correlation between sodium intake and prevalence rates of coronary heart disease, while potassium intake has a negative correlation with prevalence rates of hypertension and stroke. ConclusionIn order to control the effect of sodium on diseases, attention must also be paid to the influence of potassium on diseases as a covariate, and it is considered that additional research should be made regarding the role of potassium in studying the impact of sodium on health in the future.