Stroke in Low and Middle Income Countries: Epidemiology and Prevention

The mortality rate from stroke is greater in low and middle income countries (LMIC) compared to high-income countries (HIC) as a result of multiple factors including resource-limited health systems and gaps in universal health coverage. Expensive therapeutics for acute stroke treatment are not available and/or not affordable in many LMIC. Investments to combat the stroke burden in LMIC must prioritize preventive strategies to reduce the incidence of stroke. In the past decade, a large body of epidemiological data has accumulated on risk factors for cardiovascular diseases including stroke in LMIC. In addition, a growing base of evidence supports a range of interventions for the primordial and primary prevention of stroke in LMIC.Stroke in Low and Middle Income Countries: Epidemiology and Prevention is a thorough resource focusing on stroke epidemiology and prevention with an emphasis on regional differences and solutions. This book explores the global and regional epidemiology of stroke and the leading targets for risk reduction at the individual level. Evidence-based recommendations for the primary prevention of stroke are discussed, such as risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. Public health strategies to promote the primordial prevention of stroke are covered, including health communications and promotion of physical activity and wellness.