[Epidemiology of stroke in Russia]

Using a register approach, an epidemiologic survey of stroke in Russia was conducted according to a program specially worked out. A total sample studied included 2,398,498 subjects, aged 25 years and older from 19 Russian cities. Overall, 9998 new cases of acute blood supply disturbances were registered for a one-year period. In 2001, stroke morbidity was found to reach 3.36 per 1000 persons, mortality rate--1.28, lethality--40.37% (61.4% in hemorrhagic and 21.8% in ischemic stroke). The highest morbidity was observed in the North-West regions (7.43 per 1000), in some cities of middle areas (5.37) and in the Far East (4.41), percentage of hemorrhagic stroke being higher as well. It is concluded that a longitudinal register for obtaining data on mortality dynamics and evaluation of efficacy of improved medico-social care program is needed.