Rapport in het kort
The results of a methodologic analysis of (trends in)
incidence and mortality of cerebrovascular accidents (CVA, stroke), and risk
factors for stroke are presented. Special attention has been paid to the
design, analysis and comparability of the data and validity of the results.
Countries differ widely in incidence and mortality of stroke. In the past
three decades the incidence and mortality of non-hemorrhagic stroke and
intracerebral hemorrhages have been decreasing mondially with 18-50%.
Hypertension is the most important independent risk factor for all types of
stroke. This has been confirmed results of clinical trials evaluating the
effect of treatment of hypertension. Transient ischemic attacks and
stenosis of the carotid artery increase the risk for stroke. Cardial
disorders, smoking of cigarettes and diabetes mellitus are also risk factors
for stroke. Alcohol consumption gives a greater risk for hemorrhagic
stroke. Serum cholesterol appears to be inversely associated with the
hemorrhagic types of stroke. Vitamine C and potassium are possibly
protective against death from hemorrhagic resp. thrombo-embolic stroke.
Clinical trials provide evidence that treatment of persons with aspirin who
had one or more transient ischemic attachs (TIA) lowers the incidence and
mortality from stroke.
