Stroke affects more than 1,600 people in Extremadura every year, but it can be prevented

Stroke (its World Day is today) is a disease that It affects more than 120,000 people in Spain every year, of whom around 25,000 die. It is the leading cause of death among women and it is estimated that one in six people worldwide will have a stroke in their lifetime.

This is data from Grupo Casaverde, which promotes prevention of the disease in Extremadura, where stroke is the most common cerebrovascular disease: about 1668 new cases per year

according to the IBERICTUS study (53% in men and 47% in women). The incidence increases progressively with age, with more than half of cases occurring after age 70, although it can occur at any time. In fact, there has recently been a 25% increase in cases among ages 20 to 64.

It’s true that they developed new diagnostic methods and more effective treatment methods, which significantly reduced mortality from stroke. However, in the region it is responsible for 1 in every 16 deaths (data for 2021). Extremadura recently published a Comprehensive Plan for the Control of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases 2024-2027, which includes actions that need to be taken to tackle this problem.

The Casaverde group, which will hold a symbolic day in Merida today, is working to maximize patient recovery and reduce morbidity as Between 80 and 90% of cases “can be prevented through lifestyle interventions and modifiable risk factors.”