New global data reveals a rising stroke burden, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, with increasing incidence among younger populations and growing disparities across regions. Study: Global, regional, and national burden of stroke and its risk factors, 1990–2021: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 . Image Credit: illustrissima/Shutterstock.

com In a recent study published in The Lancet Neurology , a group of researchers provided up-to-date global, regional, and national estimates of stroke burden and attributable risks from 1990 to 2021 to inform evidence-based health care and resource allocation. Background The Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study shows that cardiovascular disease, including stroke, nearly doubled in prevalence from 271 million in 1990 to 523 million in 2019. While cardiovascular mortality rates declined during the late 20th century, this progress has slowed, and some countries, including Mexico, the United Kingdom (UK), and the United States of America (USA), have seen rising mortality rates since 2010.

Stroke incidence among individuals under 55 has also increased, alongside a surge in risk factors like hypertension and obesity. Further research is essential to track trends, evaluate interventions, and shape global health strategies for stroke prevention and management. About the study The GBD 2021 study on stroke burden and risk factors employed established methodologies consistent with previous estimates.

Str.