Cerebrovascular disease in Hong Kong.

Abstract

Stroke is now the third major cause of death in Hong Kong and its incidence is continuing to rise. Disagreement exists regarding the incidence of the various subtypes of stroke, with the university unit figures showing in 100 consecutive cases, 41% infarcts, 7% possibly embolic, 6% transient ischemic attack, 8% definite aneurysm and 38% cerebral hemorrhage. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, arrhythmia and valvular disease are the commonest identifiable risk factors. Public awareness and better utilization of resources already available remain fundamental to the control of stroke in Hong Kong.