Clinical epidemiology of stroke

Abstract

In the UK, about 130,000 people suffer a stroke each year. After one year, about a third will be dead and almost 40% of the survivors will be disabled. Stroke is a disease mainly of older people; almost half of all cases of stroke occur in people aged over 75 years. In the past few decades, stroke mortality has significantly fallen, but this decline has recently slowed down in many countries. In the next few decades, rapid ageing of the population is likely to have major effects on stroke incidence, prevalence and the total burden of the disease. Primary prevention, especially the detection and treatment of hypertension and atrial fibrillation, may help to reduce the risk of stroke.