Turkish Journal of
GERIATRICS

Ankara Numune Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi 1. Nöroloji Kliniği ANKARA Cerebrovascular diseases are becoming increasingly important in terms of public health throughout the world and in our country. They are the second leading cause of death in the world. Cerebrovascular diseases are also the second leading cause of death in Turkey, accounting for 15% of all deaths and they have the third place in loss of disability adjusted life years (DALY) estimates with a rate of 5.9% in Turkey. Rates of hemorrhagic stroke is higher (17-29%) in Turkey compared to many European countries. The prevelance of risk factors are increasing both in the world and in our country. The incidence and prevalence estimates for stroke show that the rates will increase significantly in the future. Number of deaths attributed to risk factors and burden from stroke, as reflected by loss of DALY are relatively high in Turkey [hypertension (39731; 3.3%), smoking (21317; 3%), obesity (11109; 1.4%), hypercholesterolemia (7802; 1%), inactivity and insufficient consumption of fruits and vegetables (17409: 1.7%)]. Modification of modifiable risk factors may reduce number of deaths and disability from stroke significantly. Available epidemiological data must be used to establish effective prevention strategies, and awareness of stroke must be increased in the population. Keywords : Cerebrovascular disease; Stroke; Prevalence; Incidence; Epidemiology; Turkey