Epidemiology of stroke and transient ischemic attacks: Current knowledge and perspectives

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Public Health
• Neurology

Background:

• Global stroke burden is increasing due to population aging, with 16.9 million new cases annually and significant disparities between high- and low-income countries.
• Stroke incidence is rising in middle-to-low-income countries and among young adults, necessitating targeted prevention strategies.
• The number of stroke survivors is projected to reach 77 million by 2030, leading to substantial socioeconomic costs and a high risk of complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the escalating global impact of stroke and the need for effective prevention.
• To underscore the significance of modifiable risk factors, which account for 88% of all strokes.
• To introduce an innovative 'mass approach' using mobile technology for stroke risk assessment and public awareness.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of current epidemiological data on stroke incidence, mortality, and survivor numbers.
• Review of findings from studies like INTERSTROKE identifying major stroke risk factors.
• Development of a mobile-phone application for individual stroke risk calculation and public education on warning signs.

Main Results:

• Stroke affects 16.9 million people yearly, with higher incidence in men and increasing rates in lower-income nations and young adults.
• Ten modifiable risk factors are responsible for 88% of all strokes, emphasizing the potential for primary prevention.
• A mobile application is being developed to assess individual stroke risk and educate the public, promoting a 'mass approach' to risk reduction.

Conclusions:

• The rising global stroke burden necessitates urgent public health interventions focused on modifiable risk factors.
• Innovative strategies, such as mobile health applications, show promise in increasing stroke awareness and facilitating risk reduction.
• A 'mass approach' to reduce population-level risk factors, disseminated through accessible technology, is a key strategy for future stroke prevention efforts.