New study published in The Lancet Neurology journal has predicted that stroke mortality could increase by 50% by 2050, from 6.6 million deaths in 2020 to 9.7 million deaths in 2050. The study also found that the incidence of stroke is increasing in young and middle-aged people globally.
According to the World Stroke Organization (WSO), stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for approximately 11% of all deaths. In 2020, an estimated 6.8 million people died from stroke.
Stroke is also a leading cause of disability, with an estimated 100 million people living with stroke-related disabilities worldwide. Stroke can cause a wide range of disabilities, including paralysis, speech and language problems, cognitive impairment, and emotional problems.
There are a number of factors contributing to this projected increase in stroke mortality, including:
- Population aging: Stroke is more common in older adults, and the global population is aging.
- Increasing prevalence of risk factors: Stroke risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity are on the rise worldwide.
- Inequities in access to healthcare: Many people in low- and middle-income countries do not have access to high-quality stroke prevention and treatment services.
The study’s authors call for urgent action to reduce the global burden of stroke. This includes implementing primary and secondary stroke prevention strategies, improving access to acute care and rehabilitation services, and addressing the underlying social and economic determinants of health.
The risk of stroke increases with age, but stroke can occur at any age. The most common risk factors for stroke include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, atherosclerosis, and smoking.
There are a number of things that can be done to reduce the risk of stroke, including:
- Control blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Get regular exercise.
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
- Manage stress.
In the United States, stroke costs an estimated $891 billion annually. This includes the cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, and long-term care.
The rising cost of stroke is due to a number of factors, including:
- Population aging: Stroke is more common in older adults, and the global population is aging.
- Increasing prevalence of risk factors: Stroke risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity are on the rise worldwide.
- Advances in stroke treatment: While advances in stroke treatment have improved patient outcomes, they have also increased the cost of care.
The high cost of stroke can have a significant financial impact on individuals and families. Many stroke survivors require long-term care, which can be very expensive. Stroke can also lead to lost income if survivors are unable to return to work.
What Study Says
The expense of caring for and treating stroke victims will double by 2050, from $891 billion to $2.3 trillion. The study stated that Asia and Africa will be the primary affected regions.
A crucial issue with implementing stroke preventive and treatment suggestions is the need for more financing. The committee suggests that all governments across the globe enact laws regulating and taxing harmful items, including alcohol, trans fats, sugary beverages, and salt.
The introduction of telemedicine could be transformative, Martins said.
One major issue is that while some nations may have the infrastructure and drugs necessary for therapy, they may not have the doctors to provide them, which can significantly limit specialists’ access to care.
The researchers developed 12 evidence-based suggestions, such as setting up affordable monitoring systems, increasing public awareness, and building efficient acute stroke treatment to aid in the global prevention of strokes.
There are a number of things that can be done to reduce the cost of stroke, including:
- Preventing strokes: Preventing strokes is the best way to reduce the cost of stroke. This includes controlling blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels; maintaining a healthy weight; eating a healthy diet; getting regular exercise; quitting smoking; and managing stress.
- Improving access to affordable care: Many people in low- and middle-income countries do not have access to affordable stroke prevention and treatment services. Improving access to affordable care can help to reduce the cost of stroke for individuals and families.
- Investing in stroke research: Investing in stroke research can lead to new and more effective ways to prevent and treat stroke. This could help to reduce the cost of stroke in the long term.
Stroke is a serious and costly condition. By preventing strokes and improving access to affordable care, we can reduce the financial impact of stroke on individuals, families, and society as a whole.
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