Bangladesh: Modifiable stroke risk in rural areas

Risk of dying from stroke significantly increased in a rural Bangladesh area when certain modifiable risk factors - such as hypertension, betel consumption, and diabetes - were present, according to new research. Modifiable risk factors tend to go overlooked in developing countries, yet they present a "significant, remediable, and potentially preventable burden of disease." Hypertension and diabetes are commonly cited risk factors, however researchers believe betel consumption is an under-recognized risk for stroke. Researchers also found that around 40% of people who died from stroke were under the age 60 years, and there was an increase in the number of strokes in winter months.
"A population-based case-control study of 1250 stroke deaths in rural Bangladesh"
European Journal of Neurology 2012; published online 16 February 2012
http://bit.ly/w4wKFE

Date Posted: 29 February 2012