Stroke is a serious medical event that affects the brain, occurring when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted, either by a blockage or a rupture of a blood vessel. This interruption deprives brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients, leading to cell death. Stroke is a global health concern, given its widespread occurrence and profound effects on individuals and healthcare systems worldwide. Understanding global statistics helps highlight the scale of this challenge and informs efforts towards prevention, treatment, and long-term care.
Global Occurrence and Fatalities
Stroke represents a significant global health burden, with millions of new cases and deaths reported each year. In 2021, approximately 11.9 million new stroke incidents occurred worldwide, indicating a substantial number of individuals experiencing a stroke for the first time annually.
Beyond new cases, an estimated 93.8 million people globally lived with the effects of stroke in 2021. Stroke accounted for about 7.3 million deaths in 2021, making it the third most common cause of death after ischemic heart disease and COVID-19.
Regional and Demographic Differences
Stroke incidence and mortality vary across different regions and demographic groups worldwide. A disproportionate share of the global stroke burden, specifically 87.2% of deaths and 89.4% of DALYs (Disability-Adjusted Life Years), occurs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Patients in LMICs experience strokes at a younger average age (63.1 years) compared to high-income countries (HICs) (68.6 years), regardless of gender or stroke subtype. The global mean age of stroke is around 64.4 years.
Over 60% of strokes affect individuals under 70, with 16% occurring in those under 50 years old. Approximately 34% of all stroke deaths occur in people under 70, and about 6% in those aged 15-49 years. While the mean age of stroke is 64.1 years for men and 66.1 years for women, projections suggest the age-standardized incidence rate of ischemic stroke will be higher in women (90.70 per 100,000) than in men (87.64 per 100,000) by 2030.
Key Statistical Drivers
Several modifiable risk factors contribute significantly to the global burden of stroke. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is the leading risk factor for death and disability worldwide. An estimated 1.28 billion adults aged 30–79 years globally have hypertension, with two-thirds residing in low- and middle-income countries.
Unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and harmful alcohol consumption are prominent behavioral risk factors. Air pollution is a significant environmental risk factor. These factors contribute to intermediate risks such as raised blood pressure, elevated blood glucose, and increased blood lipids.
Long-Term Impact and Future Trajectories
Beyond immediate mortality, stroke imposes a substantial long-term burden, measured by Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs). In 2021, stroke accounted for over 160.5 million DALYs globally, making it the fourth most common cause of DALYs. The number of DALYs attributed to stroke increased by 32% between 1990 and 2021.
The economic impact of stroke is considerable, estimated at over US$890 billion annually, representing 0.66% of global GDP. This cost is projected to nearly double by 2050. From 1990 to 2021, the absolute number of incident strokes increased by 70%, and deaths from stroke rose by 44%. While the age-standardized incidence rate of ischemic stroke is projected to increase to 89.32 per 100,000 population by 2030, the age-standardized death and DALY rates are projected to decrease.