Ischemic Stroke Prevention in Vietnam

Abstract

Ischemic stroke has a high burden not only in developed countries but also in developing countries. In Vietnam, rapid economic development and modernization during the past two decades has led to dramatic increases in many chronic diseases, including ischemic stroke. A previous study of stroke conducted in the southern region of Vietnam reported an age-adjusted prevalence of 608 per 100,000 people, while mortality and incidence of the disease were estimated to be about 131 and 250 per 100,000 people, respectively. Hypertension was identified as one of the most important risk factors. However, recent epidemiologic information about ischemic stroke for the Vietnamese population is lacking. Unlike non-modifiable factors (e.g. age, gender, race and genetic predisposition), modifiable and potentially modifiable lifestyle-related factors such as tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, poor diet, physical inactivity, overweight and obesity, have been recognised as vital for both primary and secondary prevention in the literature. The purpose of this chapter is to review the epidemiology and risk factors of ischemic stroke, with implications on the prevention of this emerging chronic disease in Vietnam.