Global Stroke Burden Escalates as Temperatures Fluctuate

A comprehensive population-based study encompassing 204 countries has revealed a steadily increasing global burden of stroke deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) linked to nonoptimal temperatures over the past three decades. Spanning from 1990 to 2019, this extensive research, published in the journal Neurology®, underscores the pressing need for heightened awareness and strategies to mitigate the impact of temperature-related stroke prevalence, particularly as climate change intensifies.

Key Points:

• In 2019, 521,031 deaths and over 9.4 million DALYs were attributed to strokes resulting from nonoptimal temperatures worldwide.
• Aging populations contribute significantly to the rise in stroke burden.
• Men bear a disproportionate share of the burden compared to women.
• Central Asia, Eastern Europe, and East Asia exhibit the highest stroke burdens at the regional level.
• High temperatures are playing an increasing role in stroke incidents, especially among those over age 10 and in countries with a lower socio-demographic index (SDI), like Africa.
• The rapid rise in stroke burden due to high temperatures demands particular attention in lower SDI regions.

The study utilized data from the Climate Research Unit Gridded Time Series, the World Bank, and the Global Burden of Diseases study. Using models such as joinpoint regression, decomposition analysis, and age-period-cohort models, researchers evaluated the contribution of different climatic conditions to stroke types and the influence of socioeconomic factors.

Despite a general decline in age-standardized mortality and DALY rates, the number of strokes attributable to nonoptimal temperatures has continued to climb, particularly in countries with lower SDIs. While low temperatures have historically posed the main threat, the rapid escalation of strokes due to high temperatures represents a worrisome trend, calling for focused preventative and treatment strategies.

This study is a critical step towards understanding the multifaceted implications of nonoptimal temperatures on stroke morbidity and mortality. It serves as a clarion call for global policy action directed at better health system preparation, targeted interventions in vulnerable regions, and tackling the broader challenges of climate change.

For detailed insights and regional figures, access the full study at https://www.neurology.org. The research was funded by Hunan Youth Science and Technology Talent Project, and its publication is available under a Creative Commons license, courtesy of Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. on behalf of the American Academy of Neurology.

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