Stroke Burden In Wales
In Wales, as is the case elsewhere in the world, stroke is the third commonest cause of death and the leading cause of long term disabilities among adults.
Stroke affects all ages, both sexes and all cultures at any time, but people over the age of 65 years are particularly susceptible. Stroke survivors are at increased risk of a second stroke, death or other vascular events such as heart attacks. Stroke is also a major cause of dementia. Up to a quarter of survivors met the criteria for dementia three months after a stroke.
Stroke results in a huge impact on those affected and their families and carers. From population studies of stroke survivors and deaths elsewhere in the UK, it can be deduced that over 20,000 people are estimated to be living with stroke each year in Wales. Following a stroke, for those who survived at one year, 60% will live independently, 30% will have a substantial disability and about 10% will need long-term institutional care.
Stroke also costs the country a significant amount of money. In Wales, the expenditure for circulatory problems (including stroke) accounted for 11% of the total NHS Wales budget in 2003/2004.
Therefore, stroke is a devastating event that causes a major public healthcare problem in Wales.
What Is Stroke? ►
Regional Stroke Unit, West Wing, Cardiff Royal Infirmary, Newport Road, Cardiff CF24 0SZ