Study predicts 50% surge in stroke deaths by 2050.
Deaths from Stroke Expected to Increase by 50% in the Next Three Decades
A new report reveals that deaths caused by stroke are projected to rise by 50% over the next 30 years, with low and middle-income countries accounting for 91% of these fatalities.
A stroke, also known as a brain attack, occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. In both cases, the affected areas of the brain can suffer damage or even death. Strokes can lead to long-term disability, lasting brain damage, and death. In 2020, stroke was responsible for 6.6 million deaths worldwide, making it the second leading cause of death. However, a report from the World Stroke Organization–Lancet Neurology Commission predicts that this number will increase by 50% to 9.7 million by 2050.
“We anticipate a rise in the absolute number of stroke deaths among individuals aged 60 years or older, from 5.6 million in 2020 to 8.8 million in 2050, primarily due to population aging,” the report states.
On the other hand, the number of stroke deaths among individuals under 60 years old in 2050 is expected to remain similar to that of 2020.
There is a significant disparity in stroke deaths between high-income countries (HIC) and low-income and middle-income countries (LMIC), and this gap is projected to widen in the coming decades.
“The absolute number of stroke deaths is predicted to slightly decrease in HICs but sharply increase in LMICs,” the report highlights.
In 2020, 86% of global stroke deaths occurred in LMICs, a figure that is expected to rise to 91% by 2050. Meanwhile, HICs will only account for 9% of stroke-related fatalities.
Out of the projected 9.7 million stroke deaths in 2050, 4.9 million will occur in the Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Oceania region, while South Asia is expected to witness 1.6 million deaths. Central Europe, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe are projected to experience a decline in age-standardized death rates.
The report attributes the high burden of stroke in LMICs to various factors, including undetected and uncontrolled hypertension, limited access to healthcare services, and unhealthy lifestyles.
According to the report, by the mid-21st century, 52.4% of stroke deaths will be caused by intracerebral hemorrhage or bleeding into the brain tissue.
“Hypertension is the primary risk factor for stroke, particularly intracerebral hemorrhage. Therefore, our projections emphasize the need to improve the prevention and treatment of hypertension,” the report emphasizes.
The report also predicts a surge in economic costs associated with stroke incidents in the coming decades. “The estimated economic costs of stroke, including direct costs and income losses, are projected to range from $746 billion to $1.08 trillion in 2017 prices. However, by 2050, these costs are expected to rise to between $880 billion and $2.31 trillion in 2017 prices,” it states.
“Nevertheless, this increase can be prevented as stroke is highly preventable and treatable,” the report suggests. It recommends implementing preventive measures such as raising public awareness and promoting lifestyle changes to minimize the risk of stroke.
Strokes in the US
In 2021, stroke accounted for one in six deaths from cardiovascular disease in the United States, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Nearly one in four strokes occur in individuals who have previously had a stroke.
“Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States suffers a stroke. Every 3 minutes and 14 seconds, someone dies from a stroke,” the CDC reports. “Each year, over 795,000 people in the United States experience a stroke, with approximately 610,000 of these being first or new strokes.”
Stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability in the country, affecting mobility in over half of stroke survivors aged 65 and older. The stroke death rate increased from 38.8 per 100,000 people in 2020 to 41.1 in 2021.
There is also an ethnic disparity in stroke risk, with non-Hispanic Black adults being twice as likely to experience a stroke compared to White adults.
There are two main types of stroke: ischemic and hemorrhagic. Ischemic strokes occur when blood clots or other particles block the brain’s blood vessels. Fatty deposits known as plaque can also cause these blockages.
Hemorrhagic strokes occur when an artery in the brain leaks blood or ruptures. The leaked blood puts excessive pressure on the brain cells, leading to damage.
Signs of stroke include sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the face, arm, or leg. Confusion, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, sudden trouble seeing, severe headaches without a known cause, difficulty walking, loss of balance, lack of coordination, and dizziness are other symptoms. The CDC advises individuals to call 911 immediately if these symptoms are present.
“The most effective stroke treatments are only available if the stroke is recognized and diagnosed within three hours of the first symptoms. If stroke patients do not arrive at the hospital in time, they may not be eligible for these treatments,” warns the CDC, advising against driving oneself to the hospital if a stroke is suspected.
An August 2023 study found a link between sedentary time in children and the risk of heart attacks and strokes later in life.
“Our study indicates that the accumulation of inactive time is associated with heart damage, regardless of body weight and blood pressure,” says Dr. Andrew Agbaje of the University of Eastern Finland. “Parents should encourage children and teenagers to be more active by taking them for walks and limiting their time spent on social media and video games.”
What strategies can be implemented to improve access to quality stroke care and raise public awareness about stroke prevention and treatment
E report suggests that deaths from stroke among individuals younger than 60 years old will decrease by approximately 16% by 2050. This is largely due to improvements in healthcare, prevention strategies, and public awareness regarding risk factors and early intervention. However, the overall increase in stroke deaths is concerning, especially in low and middle-income countries where access to healthcare and resources may be limited.
The report highlights the need for urgent action to address this growing public health issue. It emphasizes that stroke is largely preventable through lifestyle modifications such as maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, avoiding tobacco use, and limiting alcohol consumption. Additionally, effective management of underlying conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity can significantly reduce the risk of stroke.
Furthermore, the report stresses the importance of strengthening healthcare systems and improving access to quality stroke care. This includes ensuring the availability of affordable and essential medications, rehabilitation services, and specialized healthcare professionals. Early detection and prompt treatment can make a substantial difference in stroke outcomes, preventing disabilities and saving lives.
Public education campaigns are also crucial in raising awareness about stroke symptoms, the importance of seeking immediate medical attention, and the significance of lifestyle modifications for stroke prevention. Additionally, efforts should be made to reduce social and economic inequalities that contribute to disparities in stroke care and outcomes.
The World Stroke Organization and other international health agencies, in collaboration with governments, healthcare providers, and civil society organizations, should work together to implement comprehensive stroke prevention and management strategies. This includes integrating stroke care into primary healthcare systems, training healthcare professionals, and conducting research to improve understanding and treatment of stroke.
In conclusion, the projected increase in stroke deaths over the next three decades is a cause for concern, particularly in low and middle-income countries. However, it is important to recognize that stroke is preventable, and effective interventions can significantly reduce the burden of this disease. By prioritizing prevention, improving access to quality care, and raising awareness, we can strive to mitigate the impact of stroke and save millions of lives worldwide.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...