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Integrated Photoacoustic, Ultrasound, and Angiographic Tomography (PAUSAT) for NonInvasive Whole-Brain Imaging of Ischemic Stroke
06:45

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Stroke in Pakistan

Bhojo A Khealani1, Bilal Hameed, Uzma U Mapari

  • 1Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi.

JPMA. the Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association
|November 8, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Stroke incidence is rising in Asia, with Pakistan facing a high burden of risk factors like diabetes and hypertension. Many patients are unaware of their conditions, leading to uncontrolled hypertension and significant health consequences.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Stroke is a primary cause of long-term disability and mortality globally.
  • While stroke incidence declines in Western countries, it is increasing in Asia.
  • Pakistan faces a substantial burden of stroke risk factors, including a high prevalence of diabetes and hypertension, with many individuals unaware of their diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the available literature on stroke and its associated risk factors in Pakistan.
  • To highlight the epidemiological differences and challenges in stroke management within the Pakistani context.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive review of existing literature on stroke and its risk factors in Pakistan was conducted.
  • Analysis focused on reported case series and epidemiological data to identify trends and patterns.

Main Results:

  • Data on stroke incidence and prevalence in Pakistan is limited but suggests significant variations compared to Western countries.
  • High rates of undiagnosed and uncontrolled hypertension and diabetes contribute to the stroke burden.
  • The absolute number of stroke cases in Pakistan is estimated to be in the millions, with profound individual and societal impacts.

Conclusions:

  • Pakistan faces a growing stroke problem due to a high prevalence of modifiable risk factors and challenges in diagnosis and management.
  • Urgent public health interventions are needed to address the escalating burden of stroke and its consequences in Pakistan.

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