The number of deaths globally from ischaemic stroke is expected to increase to nearly five million by 2030, a new Chinese study published today has found.
This is a rise from two million in 1990 and more than three million in 2019, according to authors from Tongji University, Shanghai, writing in the latest edition of Neurology.
Study author Dr Lize Xiong said the increased global death toll of ischaemic stroke, as well as a predicted further increase, was concerning, but that ischaemic stroke is preventable.
“Our results suggest that a combination of lifestyle factors like smoking and a diet high in sodium along with other factors such as high blood pressure and high body mass index can lead to an increased risk of stroke,” he said.
The researchers analysed data from the Global Health Data Exchange from 1990-2019 and found as the global population grew, the global number of ischaemic stroke deaths increased from 2.04 million in 1990 to 3.29 million in 2019. However, the rate of stroke decreased from 66 strokes per 100,000 people in 1990 to 44 strokes per 100,000 people in 2019.
“This decrease in the stroke rate likely means that the overall increase in the number of strokes worldwide is mainly due to population growth and aging,” Xiong said.
Seven major risk factors – smoking, a diet high in sodium, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, kidney dysfunction, high blood sugar, and high BMI – contributed to the higher number of strokes.
When they went on to use the database to predict the number of deaths from ischaemic stroke for 2020-2030, they found it is expected to increase further to 4.9 million in 2030. The figure rose to 6.4 million if the risk factors were not controlled or prevented.
The authors said a limitation of the study was that they could not guarantee the quality and accuracy of disease data from some countries because there were unreliable data on strokes.
Neurology 17 May 2023
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