Stroke is responsible for a substantial number of early deaths, much reduced quality of life and disability, and significant costs to the health and social care system and economy. The World Health Organization estimates that stroke and cerebrovascular disease is responsible for 10% of all world deaths and is the second most common cause of death worldwide. Age, family history, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and alcohol are the main risk factors for stroke. 

This briefing describes how many people have had a stroke on the island of Ireland and how that number is expected to change between 2010 and 2020. This information will help us develop services where and when they are needed. The number of people who have had a stroke is known as its population prevalence. Some people who have had a stroke may not be aware of it, and population prevalence includes both clinically diagnosed and undiagnosed cases. 

We report national and sub-national rates of clinically diagnosed stroke among adults aged 18+ years. Undiagnosed cases are not included in our figures and they may be an underestimate of the total number of people with the condition.