africatodayonline.blogspot.com -
STROKES are the third most prevalent cause of death in South Africa, with 10 South Africans suffering a stroke every hour.
Now a global team of researchers has once again stressed the importance of tobacco control, the reduction of salt use and effective programmes to control blood pressure in the first worldwide, decade-long study published on the impact of strokes on society.
Heart and Stroke Foundation of South Africa statistics indicate strokes are the third largest cause of death in South Africa.
A recent study done on the health of South Africans by the Human Sciences Research Council shows that 12% of Eastern Cape residents reported a family history of strokes.
The first global and regional study done on the incidence of strokes was published in the authoritative British medical journal, The Lancet, last week.
Stroke experts from around the world co-authored and advised on the study, including South African stroke expert Dr Myles Connor.
The study found:
- The number of strokes caused by blood clots blocking arteries in the brain increased worldwide by 37% and the number of deaths caused by this type of stroke by 21%;
- The number of strokes caused by bleeding in the brain increased by 47% and the number of deaths caused by this type of stroke by 20%.
Researchers found that the largest burden of strokes was on hospitals and patients in low- and middle income countries, with South Africa singled out as one of the places with the largest increase in strokes caused by blocked arteries in the brain.
Researchers found that 16 million people suffered strokes and almost six million died of strokes worldwide over the last decade.
Researchers also found that people suffering strokes were getting younger in low- and middle-income countries.
