Incidence of Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack in Croatia: A Population Based Study

Area of Science:

• Neuroepidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Cerebrovascular diseases (CVD), including stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA), pose a significant global health challenge.
• Understanding the incidence rates of acute CVD is crucial for effective public health planning and resource allocation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the actual incidence rates of acute cerebrovascular disease (CVD), specifically stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA), within the Republic of Croatia.
• To provide population-based data on CVD incidence across different regions of Croatia.

Main Methods:

• A multicentric, population-based neuroepidemiological study was conducted.
• Data were collected from 89,501 individuals of all ages across four regional centers: Zagreb, Osijek + Slavonski Brod, Rijeka, and Split.

Main Results:

• The overall incidence rate of stroke in Croatia was 251.39 per 100,000 population.
• The overall incidence rate of TIA in Croatia was 100.55 per 100,000 population.
• Incidence rates for both stroke and TIA were notably higher in continental Croatia compared to the coastal regions, suggesting potential environmental or lifestyle influences.

Conclusions:

• The study reveals relatively high incidence rates of acute CVD in Croatia, highlighting it as a major public health issue.
• Disparities in incidence between continental and coastal regions warrant further investigation into contributing lifestyle and environmental factors.
• The findings underscore the need for targeted public health interventions and preventative strategies for cerebrovascular diseases in Croatia.