Epidemiology of stroke

The epidemiology of stroke may be changing over time as a result of a number of factors, including an aging population and advances in the prevention and treatment of stroke. Epidemiological indicators and research of stroke have great significance in estimating the impact of this disease on the population. Such research states the distribution of this illness and factors by which it is influenced, follows short-term and long-term consequences, as well as socio-economic burden of stroke for the whole community. Data on stroke prevalence is important for creating the right strategies for health care in a specific area. Stroke-relatedmortality in any population is dependent upon three main factors: the incidence of stroke in the population, quality ofmedical care available, and the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and comorbidities that can affect the likelihood of surviving stroke events. The quality of medical care available influences both the number of individuals suffering from stroke and the proportion of case-fatality among them. Epidemiological data shows that stroke is one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability in most industrialized populations, and the same is true for Croatia. The existing systemof health care for stroke patients does not meet the needs and is not in accordance with latest trends in developed countries.Hence, there is a need for its reorganization and design of the national project for stroke prevention and treatment similar to those in European countries with favorable epidemiological data.