Understanding Stroke in a Global Context

Stroke is one of the most debilitating diseases which poses a significant economic burden on society. Increasing exposure to behavioural risk factors for stroke (tobacco use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and excessive alcohol consumption) and air pollution are driving up the worldwide stroke burden. Although medical interventions to prevent and manage stroke have advanced considerably over the last two decades, they are not consistently implemented worldwide. Therefore, health outcomes of stroke treatment vary throughout the world.