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Summary
Stroke is a growing health concern in Africa, with hypertension as a key risk factor. Community studies reveal incidence rates comparable to European populations, highlighting the need for blood pressure control.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Stroke is a significant cause of death and disability in Africa, yet community-based data are scarce.
- Existing hospital data suggest a considerable burden of stroke, with hypertension as a primary risk factor.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the epidemiology of stroke in African populations.
- To present findings from the first community-based study on stroke incidence in Ibadan, Nigeria.
- To compare stroke incidence and risk factors in an African urban community with European and Japanese populations.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on stroke epidemiology in African hospital populations.
- Analysis of a 2-year prospective community-based study on stroke incidence in Ibadan, Nigeria.
- Comparison of age-specific incidence rates and risk factors with international data.
Main Results:
- Ischemic stroke is the most common type, with hypertension and diabetes mellitus as primary risk factors.
- Incidence rates in Ibadan were comparable to European populations, except in individuals under 40.
- Male predominance was observed, with incidence peaking in the seventh and eighth decades of life.
Conclusions:
- Hypertension significantly contributes to cerebrovascular disease in Nigerians, beyond cerebral atherosclerosis.
- Effective community-based blood pressure control is crucial for preventing escalating stroke mortality and morbidity.
- While stroke prevention is paramount, myocardial infarction is less common in Africans compared to hypertensive heart disease.