People in Poor Countries Have Higher Stroke Risk

Although stroke is associated with many modern lifestyle such as diet high in fat and calories, but in fact people who live in poor countries have a higher stroke risk than people in rich countries.

The research has been published in the latest issue of Stroke Journal, showed that people living in poor countries and in countries that spend less money for health care are more likely to suffer a fatal stroke, compared with rich countries.

The new findings also showed that more prevention efforts are needed, especially in developing countries.


"Not only the economy level is important country, but also what proportion of gross domestic product (GDP) or gross domestic product (GDP) that they spend on health. It is important to develop health care strategies for preventing stroke and other blood vessels," explains Dr. Luciano Sposato, director of the department of neurology at the Vascular Research Institute in INECO Foundation, Buenos Aires, Argentina, as reported by Health24, Monday (31/10/2011).

In this study, researchers studied 30 studies from 22 countries and identify the relationship between stroke and the three economic indicators are widely used, namely gross domestic product (GDP), health spending per person and the unemployment rate.

The result, although the unemployment rate found no effect on stroke risk, this study found a lower GDP is associated with stroke risk 32 percent higher, jumped 43 percent in the second 30-day mortality after stroke and hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding in or near the brain), and increase 47 percent of stroke in young people.

Meanwhile, researchers found that spending a little worked with the health care costs associated with stroke risk 26 percent higher, rising 45 percent in the 30-day mortality after stroke, and jumped 32 percent in hemorrhagic stroke. Stroke rates among young people has also increased 36 percent.

"It is important to further discuss health priorities for each country. This will provide the necessary background to help countries make the changes in resources and money are allocated," explains Dr. Gustavo Saposnik, director of stroke research at St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto.