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A recent study published in the journal Neurology unveils the significant burden of stroke attributable to non-optimal temperatures worldwide. Conducted by researchers from various institutions, the study provides insights into the relationship between temperature variations and stroke incidence, shedding light on potential trends and implications for public health.
Stroke, a leading cause of death and disability globally, affects millions of individuals each year. In 2019 alone, there were over 12 million cases of incident stroke, resulting in approximately 6.55 million deaths. The burden of stroke extends beyond mortality, with profound implications for quality of life and healthcare systems.
To assess the impact of temperature on stroke incidence, researchers analyzed data from the Global Burden of Diseases (GBD) study, spanning from 1990 to 2019. They examined stroke-related mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) attributed to non-optimal temperatures across regions, countries, territories, and demographic groups.
Key findings from the study include:
- In 2019, over half a million stroke deaths and 9.42 million DALYs were attributed to non-optimal temperatures globally.
- While age-standardized rates of stroke mortality and DALYs declined globally, the absolute number of deaths and DALYs increased, particularly in low Socio-Demographic Index (SDI) countries.
- Males experienced a higher burden of stroke compared to females, with older individuals facing a greater risk.
- High-middle SDI countries consistently exhibited the highest burden of stroke, while high SDI countries had the lowest burden.
- The contribution of temperature to stroke burden varied, with low temperatures being the predominant factor. However, the burden attributed to high temperatures increased over time and is expected to continue rising in the future.
Furthermore, the study identified several factors influencing stroke burden, including population growth, aging demographics, and environmental factors such as air pollution. Notably, regions with lower population density, gross domestic product (GDP), and healthcare resources experienced higher stroke mortality and DALY rates.
The study underscores the complex interplay between climate, demographics, and health outcomes, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to mitigate the impact of non-optimal temperatures on stroke incidence. As temperatures continue to fluctuate due to climate change, proactive measures are essential to protect vulnerable populations and reduce the global burden of stroke.
“While strides have been made in understanding and addressing stroke risk factors, our findings emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate the impact of non-optimal temperatures on stroke incidence,” commented the researchers.
Moving forward, further research and collaborative efforts are needed to develop effective interventions and policies aimed at reducing the global burden of stroke and promoting public health resilience in the face of climate change.
The study, titled “Burden of Stroke Attributable to Non-optimal Temperature in 204 Countries and Territories: A Population-Based Study, 1990–2019,” provides valuable insights into the multifaceted nature of stroke epidemiology and underscores the importance of climate-sensitive healthcare planning and policy development.
Journal Reference: Qu C, Chen Y, Liu C, et al. Burden of Stroke Attributable to Non-optimal Temperature in 204 Countries and Territories: A Population-Based Study, 1990–2019. Neurology, 2024, DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000209299.
