Q&A: Strokes are becoming more common in people under age 70

Deaths from stroke have increased by 44% since 1990, and they are expected to continue rising. IHME's Dr. Valery Feigin shares the latest findings on stroke, and forecasts through 2050.

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This transcript has been lightly edited for clarity

What are the key findings from your research?

Dr. Valery Feigin: Our most comprehensive study to date finds that the number of people who suffer from, die from, or live with a disability after a stroke, has risen substantially worldwide between 1990 and 2021 - incident strokes by 70%, deaths from stroke by 44%, DALYs by 32% and indeed, the global burden of stroke continues to rise and is projected to double from now to 2050.

And strokes have become more common among people under age 70. If this trend continues as projected, it will be a real disaster for public health.

Can stroke be prevented?

Stroke is highly preventable, with 84% of stroke burden in 2021 attributable to 23 modifiable risk factors, including air pollution, excess body weight, high blood pressure, smoking, and physical inactivity, presenting a public health challenge and an opportunity at the same time for action. All these risk factors are actually modifiable. We have the opportunity, therefore, to control them and reduce the stroke burden.

What has been the impact of climate change on stroke?

Notably, the contribution of high temperatures to poor health and early deaths due to stroke, has risen 72% since 1990 and trends likely to increase in the future, underscoring the devastating impact of environmental factors on the growing stroke burden. Our discovery of the large global effect of high outdoor temperatures on stroke burden is, indeed, of significant importance for public health, especially for elderly people.

During the past 20 years, we know it from other studies, the heat-related mortality from all causes in people older than 65 years has increased by over 50%.

What can be done to reduce the burden of stroke?

Apart wider implementation of evidence-based treatment and rehabilitation strategies, and stroke workforce development, especially in low to middle-income countries. These solutions include:  

1. Establishing low-cost surveillance systems to provide accurate epidemiological stroke data to guide prevention and treatment, and
2. Raising public awareness and actions to improve lifestyle and prevent stroke.