The contribution of epidemiological studies of stroke has been fundamental to understanding the occurrence, natural history and the potential for both primary and secondary prevention. Descriptive studies of routinely available data such as death statistics provide some idea of the magnitude of the problem, differences between and within countries, and trends over time. Measuring the incidence of stroke, however, requires special population-based studies which are, unfortunately, expensive and difficult to accomplish and, until recently, provide limited information on the frequency, etiology and natural history of pathologically distinct types of stroke. Analytical studies, in particular the long-established cohort studies, have contributed to an understanding of the risk factors for stroke. Randomized controlled trials on the treatment of raised blood pressure confirmed findings from the observational studies that reducing blood pressure also reduced the relative risk of stroke. Increasing knowledge about stroke subtypes, which may behave in different ways in terms of prognosis and response to therapy, has resulted in further clinical trials tailoring potential therapies according to the precise categorization of subtypes. Few epidemiological studies have been established which can shed light on the reasons for the substantial decline in stroke mortality in recent decades. The available evidence suggests that an improvement in case fatality is the most likely explanation, rather than improvements in incidence. In turn, improvements in case fatality may reflect better management in the acute phase or changes in the natural history of the disease. Epidemiological studies of stroke can contribute to developing more cost-effective strategies for the prevention and control of cerebrovascular disease.

Keywords:
Stroke incidence, Risk factors, Clinical trials, Case fatality, Primary prevention, Population strategy, High-risk strategy
This content is only available via PDF.
© 1994 S. Karger AG, Basel
1994
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.