The Global Stroke Initiative

摘要

Stroke is a global health problem and is the second commonest cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability worldwide. Moreover, the number of patients with stroke will increase in the future because of demographic changes and the inadequate control of major risk factors for stroke. Two-thirds of strokes occur in low-income and middle-income countries where the average age of patients with stroke is 15 years below that in high-income countries. Despite the enormous and growing burden of stroke, especially in people of working age, the disease does not receive the attention it deserves (and requires) for prevention and management or in terms of research funds.