The lower your income, greater the chances of high blood pressure, stroke

Ever wondered why are low-and-middle-income countries so hard hit by a stroke and what can be done about it? A new study has the answer to this vital question.

According to a new study at the World Stroke Congress, low- and-middle-income countries bear over 80 per cent of the global burden of stroke, but have less than 20 per cent of the global resources to combat it.

The ageing population and the increases in risk factors such as high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes are driving up stroke rates. Strokes occur, on average, 15 years earlier in low- and middle-income countries than in high-income countries.

Also, while building momentum to address sex differences in stroke, researchers found that women bear a greater burden of stroke than men.

Leading stroke experts looked at incidence and mortality rates, the impact of traditional risk factors on women versus men, the quality of care women receive compared to men, and international efforts to address the challenges.