IntechOpen The Global Burden of Stroke and Changing Risk Factors

Stroke is not just a disease found in cold statistical data; it is a multifaceted global crisis that profoundly impacts the lives of individuals, families, and societies. This book, prepared with the 2021 GBD data, compiles current knowledge on stroke with academic rigor while also offering a sensitive look at the human stories behind this disease. Chapters that examine regional burdens and socioeconomic inequalities in detail demonstrate that stroke-related losses in low- and middle-income countries are fueled not only by health system inadequacies but also by social injustices. The youth stroke chapters examine the devastating effects of cerebrovascular events, encountered during the most productive years of life, from both clinical and human perspectives. The final chapter, devoted to carotid stenosis, reiterates the crucial role of early diagnosis and evidence-based prevention strategies in human health. In this respect, the work is not only a source of information but also a call to action for a more equitable, sensitive, and effective approach to combating stroke. I hope this book will offer a new perspective to researchers, clinicians, and health policy developers and contribute to a healthier future in which the burden of stroke is reduced.