Cardiovascular & Kidney Diseases

Stroke

A woman is looking at a tablet with mri images on it.

Stroke is the second most common cause of death worldwide, responsible for 6.7 million deaths each year. Of those who survive a stroke, 5 million are left disabled every year.

Stroke

Strokes can be classified into two major categories: haemorrhagic stroke and ischaemic stroke. Haemorrhagic strokes are caused by the rupture of a blood vessel which leads to bleeding inside the brain. 85% of all strokes, however, are ischaemic strokes, caused by an interruption of blood supply to the brain due to a blockage e.g. a blood clot. When the blood cannot reach the brain, brain cells die due to lack of oxygen.

Stroke may result in severely restricted movement, paralysis, loss of speech or vision, which may be permanent, or even death.

Approximately 1 in 5 ischaemic strokes are caused by atrial fibrillation, which is the most common sustained cardiac rhythm disorder.

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LIVING WITH A DISEASE

Atrial Fibrillation (AF)

Atrial fibrillation can lead to stroke and is therefore closely connected.

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LIVING WITH A DISEASE

High Blood Pressure

When the heart beats, it pumps blood into the arteries, building up pressure – systolic blood pressure – on the walls of the blood vessels.

LIVING WITH A DISEASE

Heart Failure

Heart failure is the fastest growing cardiovascular disease in prevalence affecting more than 60 million people worldwide and posing substantial morbidity, mortality and economic burden.