According to the Global Burden of Disease Study 2022, strokes were the second leading cause of death globally, accounting for 11.5 million deaths (11.1% of all deaths). This marked a decrease from 12.9 million deaths in 2017. Over this period, the age-standardized death rate for stroke saw a commendable 2.7% reduction.
The most prevalent form of stroke is the ischemic stroke, which arises when a blood clot obstructs an artery leading to the brain. In 2022, ischemic strokes comprised 87.2% of all stroke-related fatalities. Hemorrhagic strokes, on the other hand, occur when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, resulting in the accumulation of blood in the brain tissue, applying pressure and ultimately causing damage to brain cells. This form of stroke constituted the remaining 12.8% of stroke-related deaths.
The risk of stroke increases with age, with the highest age-standardized death rate recorded among individuals aged 80 years and older (242.6 deaths per 100,000 people). Additionally, men face a higher risk of stroke compared to women.
Ischemic Stroke (85% of total strokes): This occurs when blood flow through the vessel, responsible for carrying oxygen-rich blood to the brain, becomes blocked.
Hemorrhagic Stroke: This type arises from a ruptured blood vessel in the brain, leading to the collection of blood in the brain tissue, applying pressure and causing damage to brain cells. Uncontrolled blood pressure is the primary cause of this type of stroke.
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Often referred to as a "Mini Stroke," TIA symptoms are short-lived, typically resolving spontaneously within a few minutes to a maximum of 24 hours. It serves as a warning sign that a major stroke may occur in the near future. Alarmingly, over a third of untreated TIA patients experience a major stroke within a year.
Symptoms of a stroke are contingent upon the affected area of the brain, either due to insufficient oxygen supply or hemorrhage. They usually manifest suddenly and predominantly affect one side of the body. Common signs include:
Remember the acronym "FAST":
Several factors increase the risk of stroke:
While strokes can occur in younger individuals, they predominantly affect the elderly. With advancing age, the likelihood of experiencing a stroke also escalates.
A stroke constitutes a medical emergency as it can lead to death or permanent disability if not addressed promptly. In cases of ischemic stroke, time is of the essence. Every passing minute leads to progressive loss of brain cells. Swift restoration of blood supply to the ischemic brain is crucial for preventing further neuronal loss and promoting overall recovery.
Thrombolytic therapy, involving the administration of a clot-busting drug, is effective within the first 3 to 4.5 hours of stroke onset. It aids in re-establishing blood supply, preserving vital brain tissue.
Additionally, an interventional procedure called "mechanical thrombectomy" can be performed to retrieve clots from occluded blood vessels in select stroke patients within the first 6 to 24 hours.
Lifestyle modifications play a pivotal role in stroke prevention. They are equally vital for individuals who have already experienced a stroke, to avert future occurrences:
