In Croatia, as well as in Europe and the world, stroke is the second leading cause of death, and 4,950 persons died from that medical condition in Croatia last year, accounting for 8.7 percent of total deaths, the Croatian Public Health Institute said on the occasion of World Stroke Day, observed on 29 October.

In Croatia, stroke is the third leading cause of death for men, after ischemic heart disease and Covid-19, as well as for women, for whom the two main causes of death are ischemic heart disease and hypertension.

According to the data from 2020, 2,210 men died from stroke (7.5% of all male deaths), as did 2,830 women (9.8% of all female deaths).

The mortality rate increases with age, and a significant rise in mortality can be seen at the age of 60 in men, and above the age of 65 in women.

Over the last 15 years, there has been a positive trend in Croatia of reducing mortality from cerebrovascular diseases, including stroke, and the reduction is 46%. However, according to Eurostat for 2018, Croatia remains in the high sixth place among 34 European countries in terms of mortality.

Importance of early recognition of stroke symptoms

World Stroke Day aims to raise awareness of the importance of early recognition of stroke symptoms and the need for rapid action because every minute is crucial for the outcome. Getting treatment fast saves lives and improves recovery, so an ambulance should be called immediately if signs of a stroke are noticed.

The symptoms include sudden numbness or weakness in the arm, leg or face, trouble speaking or seeing, sudden trouble walking, lack of coordination or loss of balance, and severe headache.

According to estimates, 14.5 million people worldwide suffer a stroke each year, and 5.5 million die from its consequences. There are as many as 80 million people worldwide who have survived a stroke.

The risk of stroke can be reduced if risk factors are recognized and treated, and these include high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and atrial fibrillation. “One should be physically active, exercise regularly, maintain a diet rich in fruit and vegetables, reduce the intake of salt, sugar and fats, limit the consumption of alcohol and not smoke,” state agency Hina advised.