Carotid artery disease in sub-Saharan Africa: A marker of epidemiological and stroke transition

摘要

Over the past four decades, stroke incidence has increased by over 100% in developing (low- and middle-income) countries, while it has declined in high-income countries [1]. Although epi-demiological data from Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are limited, indications are that stroke burden is increasing in this developing region as elsewhere [1,2]. The increase in stroke burden in developing regions reflects an epidemiological transition, caused largely by both increasing population age and prevalence of stroke risk factors [3]. A little recognised aspect of this transition is the changing profile or nature of stroke that occurs during this transition [4].