In a startling new report, it has been projected that stroke deaths could reach a staggering 10 million per year by 2050 if no significant action is taken to combat this devastating condition. Stroke is currently the second leading cause of death worldwide, claiming 6.6 million lives in 2020 alone.
The World Stroke Organization-Lancet Neurology Commission warns that without immediate improvement in stroke services and awareness, the number of deaths is expected to rise to 9.7 million by 2050. This alarming prediction emphasizes the urgent need for global efforts to prevent and address this life-threatening condition.
Stroke deaths projected to reach 10 million per year by 2050
According to a report from the World Stroke Organization-Lancet Neurology Commission, the number of people dying from stroke worldwide is expected to increase by 50% by the year 2050 if significant action is not taken to prevent and reduce the risk factors associated with stroke.
Stroke is currently the second leading cause of death globally, with 6.6 million deaths reported in 2020. However, this number is projected to rise to a staggering 9.7 million by 2050.
Introduction of the World Stroke Organization-Lancet Neurology Commission
The World Stroke Organization-Lancet Neurology Commission was formed to assess and forecast the epidemiological and economic impacts of stroke.
Consisting of experts from high-income and low- and middle-income countries, the commission conducted interviews and qualitative analysis to identify barriers to high-quality stroke surveillance, prevention, care, and rehabilitation.
Current statistics on stroke deaths worldwide
Stroke is currently the second leading cause of death globally, following closely behind coronary artery disease. In 2020 alone, stroke accounted for 6.6 million deaths. The majority of these deaths occurred in low- and middle-income countries, where access to high-quality stroke prevention and care is limited.
However, it is important to note that even in high-income countries, there are disparities in stroke deaths, particularly among those living at the poverty level.
Barriers to high-quality stroke surveillance, prevention, care, and rehabilitation
The commission’s research identified several key barriers to high-quality stroke surveillance, prevention, care, and rehabilitation. These barriers include low awareness of stroke and its risk factors, such as diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, poor diet, and smoking.
Inadequate funding for stroke prevention and care programs also contributes to these barriers, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
Disparities in stroke deaths between low- and high-income countries
The report highlights the significant disparities in stroke deaths between low- and high-income countries. While the majority of stroke deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, there are also inequalities within high-income countries.
Individuals living at the poverty level in high-income countries, such as the United States, are at a higher risk due to unequal exposure to risk factors that are not adequately treated or controlled.
Financial impact of stroke deaths
In addition to the devastating human toll, stroke deaths also have a significant financial impact on the global population. The cost of treating and supporting stroke patients is projected to increase from $891 billion in 2020 to a staggering $2.3 trillion by 2050.
This increase in cost will be particularly felt in Africa and Asia, where the majority of stroke deaths are expected to occur.
Recommendations to prevent strokes worldwide
The commission developed 12 evidence-based recommendations to help prevent strokes worldwide. These recommendations include establishing low-cost surveillance systems to better track the prevalence of stroke, raising public awareness of stroke and its risk factors, and improving access to effective acute stroke care.
The commission also recommends introducing legislative regulations and taxation of unhealthy products, such as salt, alcohol, sugary drinks, and trans-fats, to reduce the prevalence of risk factors associated with stroke.
The role of hypertension in stroke deaths
The World Health Organization recently identified hypertension as one of the leading risk factors for death and disability worldwide. High blood pressure is also a key risk factor for stroke.
Preventing hypertension through lifestyle modifications, such as maintaining a healthy diet, a healthy weight, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption and tobacco use, and engaging in regular exercise, can significantly reduce the risk of both hypertension and stroke.
Types of stroke and their symptoms
There are two main types of stroke: ischemic and hemorrhagic. Ischemic strokes occur when blood flow to a part of the brain is blocked by clots or particles, such as fatty deposits called plaque. Hemorrhagic strokes occur when a blood vessel in the brain leaks or ruptures.
Transient ischemic attacks, also known as mini-strokes, occur when blood flow is blocked for a short period. It is important to recognize the symptoms of stroke, which may include a sudden severe headache, vision problems, trouble walking, paralysis or numbness in the face or limbs, and difficulty speaking or understanding others.
The projected increase in stroke deaths by 2050 is a significant global health concern. Urgent action is needed to prevent and reduce the risk factors associated with stroke and to improve access to high-quality stroke surveillance, prevention, care, and rehabilitation.
Implementing the recommendations provided by the World Stroke Organization-Lancet Neurology Commission, such as raising public awareness, improving funding and access to care, and implementing legislative regulations, can help mitigate the devastating impact of stroke deaths worldwide. Additionally, individuals can take steps to reduce their own risk of stroke by leading a healthy lifestyle and effectively managing hypertension.