Air pollution, high temperatures, and metabolic risk factors are driving global increases in stroke, with latest figures estimating 12 million cases and over 7 million deaths from stroke each year, a new analysis from the Global Burden of Disease, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) has revealed.

Although stroke is highly preventable and treatable, the global stroke burden has rapidly risen between 1990 and 2021, due to population growth, aging populations, and greater exposure to environmental and behavioural risk factors.

The findings published in The Lancet Neurology journal are being presented at the World Stroke Congress in Abu Dhabi in October 2024.

“Globally, the number of people having a new stroke rose to 11.9 million in 2021 (up by 70% since 1990), stroke survivors rose to 93.8 million (up by 86%), and stroke-related deaths rose to 7.3 million (up by 44%), making the condition the third leading cause of death worldwide (after ischaemic heart disease and COVID-19),” the study notes. “More than three-quarters of those affected by strokes live in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).”

In 2021, 84% of the stroke burden was 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 for action.

The estimates suggest that worldwide, the disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost to stroke increased by 32% between 1990 and 2021 -  rising from around 121.4 million years of healthy life lost in 1990 to 160.5 million years in 2021.  This makes the stroke the fourth leading cause of health loss worldwide after COVID-19, ischaemic heart disease, and neonatal disorders.

“The global growth of the number of people who develop stroke, and die from or remain disabled by stroke is growing fast, strongly suggesting that currently used stroke prevention strategies are not sufficiently effective,” Professor Valery L Feigin, lead author of the study,  said.

Also read: 8.1 million premature deaths annually due to air pollution: WMO