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Community-based stroke incidence in a Scottish population: the Scottish Borders Stroke Study
Paul D Syme1, Anthony W Byrne, Ruoling Chen
1University of Edinburgh, NHS Borders, London, United Kingdom. p.d.syme@btinternet.com
Stroke
|August 6, 2005
Summary
This study found high stroke incidence in Scotland, but age-adjusted rates and case fatality were similar to global averages. Stroke risk in Scotland appears comparable to other worldwide populations.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Scotland has a high cardiovascular disease risk.
- Stroke incidence and case fatality are significant public health concerns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and case fatality of stroke in a defined region of Scotland.
- To compare Scottish stroke rates with international data.
Main Methods:
- A 24-month study (1998-2000) in the Scottish Borders (population 106,352).
- Multiple methods used for case-ascertainment of all strokes.
- Stroke subtypes identified via CT scan, MRI, or autopsy.
Main Results:
- 790 strokes identified; 596 were first-ever-in-a-lifetime strokes (FES).
- Crude annual incidence rate per 100,000: 280 overall, 197 cerebral infarction, 24 intracerebral haemorrhage, 11 subarachnoid haemorrhage.
- 28-day FES case fatality was 15.9%, rising to 26.3% at 1 year.
Conclusions:
- The crude stroke incidence rate in the Scottish Borders is among the world's highest.
- Age-adjusted rates, case fatality, and relative risk were not significantly different from most previous global studies.
- Unlike cardiovascular disease, Scotland's stroke risk appears similar to other populations worldwide.