The worldwide incidence and mortality rates for stroke decreased slightly from 1990 to 2019, but the overall numbers remain high—especially in high- and middle-income countries—according to a study published in an online issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN). The study focused specifically on ischaemic stroke, which is caused by blood clots and makes up 85% of stroke cases. Egypt (1.4%) and China (1.1%) had the most pronounced increases in stroke rates, the researchers also report. Similarly to the stroke occurrence rate, the rate of death from stroke decreased slightly over the three decades assessed (1.6%)—but the overall numbers were high. The death rate decreased from 66 deaths per 100,000 people to 44 deaths per 100,000 people.

Source: The North Africa Journal December 28, 2021 10:29 UTC