Stroke was the second most frequent cause of death worldwide in 2011, accounting for 6.2 million deaths (~11% of the total). Approximately 17 million people had a stroke in 2010 and 33 million people have previously had a stroke and were still alive. Between 1990 and 2010 the number of strokes decreased by approximately 10% in the developed world and increased by 10% in the developing world. Overall, two-thirds of strokes occurred in those over 65 years old. South Asians are at particularly high risk of stroke, accounting for 40% of global stroke deaths.
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of your brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. Brain cells begin to die in minutes. A stroke is a medical emergency, and prompt treatment is crucial. Early action can reduce brain damage and other complications. Stroke is the third leading cause of death in Bangladesh. The World Health Organization ranks Bangladesh’s mortality rate due to stroke as number 84 in the world. The reported prevalence of stroke in Bangladesh is 0·3%, although no data on stroke incidences have been recorded. Hospital-based studies conducted in past decades have indicated that hypertension is the main cause of ischaemic and hemorrhagic stroke in Bangladesh. The high number of disability-adjusted life-years lost due to stroke (485 per 10 000 people) shows that stroke severely impacts Bangladesh’s economy.