Good News for World Stroke Day: Mortality from Stroke Halved in 20 Years

Between 2004 and 2017, mortality due to stroke significantly decreased - from 77.5 to 38.5 for women and from 56.1 to 27.2 per 100,000 inhabitants for men. The case fatality rate, or the proportion of those affected who die from a stroke, has also halved - from 22.7 to 10.5 percent.

More Diagnoses - Better Treatments

At the same time, the number of diagnosed strokes sharply increased - from around 14,000 in 2004 to over 26,000 cases in 2017. This increase is primarily due to better detection and recording of strokes. While the number of diagnosed strokes has risen, the number of deaths is steadily decreasing. This is mainly due to two developments: On one hand, public awareness is leading to more rapid treatment for many affected individuals. On the other hand, improved treatment standards at specialized stroke centers and units ensure survival for many. "Thanks to the significant advancements in acute treatment, we can save more and more individuals from severe disability or even death," says Prof. Susanne Wegener, Head Physician at the Department of Neurology at the University Hospital Zurich. According to Susanne Wegener, the initiator of the study, the results clearly show that investment in education and stroke medicine over the past 20 years has paid off.

Prevention Remains Crucial

Despite all the progress, stroke remains one of the most common causes of death and disability in Switzerland. The Swiss Heart Foundation reminds us that more than 50 percent of all strokes are preventable - through a healthy lifestyle and optimal prevention of cardiovascular risk factors. "Everyone can do something themselves," emphasizes Prof. Marcel Arnold, Vice President of the Swiss Heart Foundation and Head of the Stroke Center at Inselspital Bern. "Anyone who knows their risk factors and pays attention to warning signs like sudden paralysis, speech, or visual disturbances can react in time in an emergency - and save lives."

Heart Foundation Committed to Education and Research

On the occasion of World Stroke Day, the Swiss Heart Foundation calls for greater integration of prevention into everyday life. Through national information campaigns, projects at schools, and the promotion of research on stroke and cardiovascular diseases, the foundation has been advocating for a healthier population for years. "The new figures show that our commitment is effective - but also that much remains to be done," says Professor Arnold. "Every prevented stroke means less suffering and a better quality of life."

Background to the Study:

The analysis is based on data from the Federal Office of Statistics (2004-2017) and includes over 1.4 million hospitalizations. Despite increasing case numbers, mortality has significantly decreased - a clear indication of progress in prevention, acute, and emergency care. The study was published in the International Journal of Epidemiology.

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