Fall in stroke numbers linked to lifestyle change

A recent Australian study of New Zealand stroke victims in Auckland has shown falls in the incidence of strokes are being balanced by declines in wider health indicators.

Researchers Craig Anderson and Kristie Carter, of the George Institute for International Health, based at Sydney University, are soon to publish a review of data collected over 20 years in Auckland on the relationship of significant changes in stroke incidence to life-style changes in the American Heart Association's journal Stroke.

The study found that there was an 11 per cent relative decline in strokes over the two decades, which the institute said could be related to positive changes such as a decreased incidence of smoking in the population.

"Opposing this positive trend were adverse changes in the health of the Auckland population over the same period, including increased incidence of obesity, diabetes and overall age - all of which increase the likelihood of stroke.

"More research is needed to identify those at risk of stroke and to implement effective strategies to reduce the burden of this illness," Professor Anderson said in a statement.

Similar analyses are being conducted on data provided by an investigation of stroke incidence in Perth, Western Australia. Data from the two studies will be pooled with similar work from Queensland University and Oxford University, to better understand risk factors for various stroke "sub-types."

Another study led by Maree Hackett, also of the George Institute, examined depression in stroke victims.

- NZPA