Ischemic Stroke Rate Increases in Young Adults: Evidence for a Generational Effect?

Epidemiology and trends in stroke mortality in the USA, 1975-2019

BACKGROUND

Whether changes in stroke mortality are affected by age distribution and birth cohorts, and if the decline in stroke mortality exhibits heterogeneity by stroke type, remains uncertain.

METHODS

We undertook a sequential time series analysis to examine stroke mortality trends in the USA among people aged 18-84 years between 1975 and 2019 (n = 4 332 220). Trends were examined for overall stroke and by ischaemic and haemorrhagic subtypes. Mortality data were extracted from the US death files, and age-sex population data were extracted from US census. Age-standardized stroke mortality rates and incidence rate ratio (IRR) with 95% confidence interval [CI] were derived from Poisson regression models.

RESULTS

Age-standardized stroke mortality declined for females from 87.5 in 1975 to 30.9 per 100 000 in 2019 (IRR 0.27, 95% CI 0.26, 0.27; average annual decline -2.78%, 95% CI -2.79, -2.78). Among males, age-standardized mortality rate declined from 112.1 in 1975 to 38.7 per 100 000 in 2019 (RR 0.26, 95% CI 0.26, 0.27; average annual decline -2.80%, 95% CI -2.81, -2.79). Stroke mortality increased sharply with advancing age. Decline in stroke mortality was steeper for ischaemic than haemorrhagic strokes.

CONCLUSIONS

Stroke mortality rates have substantially declined, more so for ischaemic than haemorrhagic strokes.

Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics-2023 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association

BACKGROUND

The American Heart Association, in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health, annually reports the most up-to-date statistics related to heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular risk factors, including core health behaviors (smoking, physical activity, diet, and weight) and health factors (cholesterol, blood pressure, and glucose control) that contribute to cardiovascular health. The Statistical Update presents the latest data on a range of major clinical heart and circulatory disease conditions (including stroke, congenital heart disease, rhythm disorders, subclinical atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, heart failure, valvular disease, venous disease, and peripheral artery disease) and the associated outcomes (including quality of care, procedures, and economic costs).

METHODS

The American Heart Association, through its Epidemiology and Prevention Statistics Committee, continuously monitors and evaluates sources of data on heart disease and stroke in the United States to provide the most current information available in the annual Statistical Update with review of published literature through the year before writing. The 2023 Statistical Update is the product of a full year's worth of effort in 2022 by dedicated volunteer clinicians and scientists, committed government professionals, and American Heart Association staff members. The American Heart Association strives to further understand and help heal health problems inflicted by structural racism, a public health crisis that can significantly damage physical and mental health and perpetuate disparities in access to health care, education, income, housing, and several other factors vital to healthy lives. This year's edition includes additional COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) publications, as well as data on the monitoring and benefits of cardiovascular health in the population, with an enhanced focus on health equity across several key domains.

RESULTS

Each of the chapters in the Statistical Update focuses on a different topic related to heart disease and stroke statistics.

CONCLUSIONS

The Statistical Update represents a critical resource for the lay public, policymakers, media professionals, clinicians, health care administrators, researchers, health advocates, and others seeking the best available data on these factors and conditions.

Diverging Temporal Trends in Stroke Incidence in Younger vs Older People: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Importance

Overall stroke incidence is falling in high-income countries, but data on time trends in incidence of young stroke (ie, stroke in individuals younger than 55 years) are conflicting. An age-specific divergence in incidence, with less favorable trends at younger vs older ages, might be a more consistent underlying finding across studies.

Objective

To compare temporal trends in incidence of stroke at younger vs older ages in high-income countries.

Data Sources

PubMed and EMBASE were searched from inception to February 2022. One additional population-based study (Oxford Vascular Study) was also included.

Study Selection

Studies reporting age-specific stroke incidence in high-income countries at more than 1 time point.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

For all retrieved studies, 2 authors independently reviewed the full text against the inclusion criteria to establish their eligibility. Meta-analysis was performed with the inverse variance-weighted random-effects model. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) reporting guideline was followed.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcome was age-specific divergence (<55 vs ≥55 years) in temporal trends in stroke incidence (relative temporal rate ratio [RTTR]) in studies extending to at least 2000. RTTRs were calculated for each study and pooled by random-effects meta-analysis, with stratification by administrative vs prospective population-based methodology, sex, stroke subtype (ischemic vs intracerebral hemorrhage vs subarachnoid hemorrhage) and geographical region.

Results

Among 50 studies in 20 countries, 26 (13 prospective population-based and 13 administrative studies) reported data allowing calculation of the RTTR for stroke incidence at younger vs older ages across 2 or more periods, the latest extending beyond 2000. Reported trends in absolute incidence of young individuals with stroke were heterogeneous, but all studies showed a less favorable trend in incidence at younger vs older ages (pooled RTTR = 1.57 [95% CI, 1.42-1.74]). The overall RTTR was consistent by stroke subtype (ischemic, 1.62 [95% CI, 1.44-1.83]; intracerebral hemorrhage, 1.32 [95% CI, 0.91-1.92]; subarachnoid hemorrhage, 1.54 [95% CI, 1.00-2.35]); and by sex (men, 1.46 [95% CI, 1.34-1.60]; women, 1.41 [95% CI, 1.28-1.55]) but was greater in studies reporting trends solely after 2000 (1.51 [95% CI, 1.30-1.70]) vs solely before (1.18 [95% CI, 1.12-1.24]) and was highest in population-based studies in which the most recent reported period of ascertainment started after 2010 (1.87 [95% CI, 1.55-2.27]).

Conclusions and Relevance

Temporal trends in stroke incidence are diverging by age in high-income countries, with less favorable trends at younger vs older ages, highlighting the urgent need to better understand etiology and prevention of stroke at younger ages.

Trends in hospitalisation for ischaemic stroke in young adults in the region of Murcia (Spain) between 2006 and 2014

INTRODUCTION

Recent studies conducted in Europe and the United States suggest upward trends in both incidence and hospitalisation rates for ischaemic stroke in young adults; however, data for Spain are scarce. This study analyses the trend in hospitalisation due to ischaemic stroke in adults aged under 50 years in the region of Murcia between 2006 and 2014.

METHOD

We performed a retrospective study of patients discharged after hospitalisation due to cerebrovascular disease (CVD); data were obtained from the regional registry of the Minimum Basic Data Set. Standardised rates were calculated, disaggregated by age and CVD subtype. Time trends were analysed using joinpoint regression to obtain the annual calculated standardised rate and the annual percentage of change (APC).

RESULTS

A total of 27 064 patients with CVD were discharged during the 9-year study period. Ischaemic stroke was the most frequent subtype (61.0%). In patients aged 18 to 49 years, the annual number of admissions due to ischaemic stroke increased by 26%, and rates by 29.2%; however, the joinpoint regression analysis showed no significant changes in the trend (APC=2.74%, P≥.05). By contrast, a downward trend was identified in individuals older than 49 (APC=-1.24%, P<.05).

CONCLUSIONS

No significant changes were observed in the rate of hospitalisation due to ischaemic stroke among young adults, despite the decline observed in older adults. Identifying the causes of these disparate trends may be beneficial to the development of specific measures targeting younger adults.

Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics-2022 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association

BACKGROUND

The American Heart Association, in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health, annually reports the most up-to-date statistics related to heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular risk factors, including core health behaviors (smoking, physical activity, diet, and weight) and health factors (cholesterol, blood pressure, and glucose control) that contribute to cardiovascular health. The Statistical Update presents the latest data on a range of major clinical heart and circulatory disease conditions (including stroke, congenital heart disease, rhythm disorders, subclinical atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, heart failure, valvular disease, venous disease, and peripheral artery disease) and the associated outcomes (including quality of care, procedures, and economic costs).

METHODS

The American Heart Association, through its Statistics Committee, continuously monitors and evaluates sources of data on heart disease and stroke in the United States to provide the most current information available in the annual Statistical Update. The 2022 Statistical Update is the product of a full year's worth of effort by dedicated volunteer clinicians and scientists, committed government professionals, and American Heart Association staff members. This year's edition includes data on the monitoring and benefits of cardiovascular health in the population and an enhanced focus on social determinants of health, adverse pregnancy outcomes, vascular contributions to brain health, and the global burden of cardiovascular disease and healthy life expectancy.

RESULTS

Each of the chapters in the Statistical Update focuses on a different topic related to heart disease and stroke statistics.

CONCLUSIONS

The Statistical Update represents a critical resource for the lay public, policymakers, media professionals, clinicians, health care administrators, researchers, health advocates, and others seeking the best available data on these factors and conditions.

Transition in Incidence Rate of Hospitalised Stroke and Case Fatality Rate in the Hunter Region, Australia, 2001-2019: A Prospective Hospital-Based Study

INTRODUCTION

Continuous surveillance of stroke admissions has been conducted in the Hunter region, Australia, over the past two decades. We aimed to describe the trends in incidence rates of hospitalised stroke and case-fatality rates in this region, 2001-2019.

METHODS

From a hospital-based stroke registry, data for admitted adult stroke patients residing in the Hunter region were collected using ICD-10 codes for ischemic and haemorrhagic stroke. Negative binomial regression and logistic regression analysis were used to analyse trends for age-standardised and age-specific incidence rates of hospitalised stroke and 28-day case-fatality rates.

RESULTS

A total of 14,662 hospitalisations for stroke in 13,242 individuals were registered. The age-standardised incidence rate declined from 123 per 100,000 population in the 2001-2005 epoch to 96 in the 2016-2019 epoch (mean annual change -2.0%, incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 0.980 [95%CI: 0.976-0.984]). Age-specific analyses identified significant reduction in the group aged 75-84 (1039 per 100,000 population in 2001-2005 to 633 in 2016-2019, annual change -3.5%, IRR= 0.965 [95%CI: 0.960-0.970]). The 28-day case-fatality rates fluctuated over time (18.5% in 2001-2005, 20.8% in 2010-2015, and 17.8% in 2016-2019).  Projected population aging suggests annual volume of patients with new stroke will increase by 77% by 2041 if incidence rates remain unchanged at the 2016-2019 level.

CONCLUSION

Although age-standardised hospitalised stroke incidence rates have declined in the Hunter region, the health system will face an increase in stroke hospitalisations related to the aging population.

Genetics in aphasia recovery

Considerable research efforts have been exerted toward understanding the mechanisms underlying recovery in aphasia. However, predictive models of spontaneous and treatment-induced recovery remain imprecise. Some of the hitherto unexplained variability in recovery may be accounted for with genetic data. A few studies have examined the effects of the BDNF val66met polymorphism on aphasia recovery, yielding mixed results. Advances in the study of stroke genetics and genetics of stroke recovery, including identification of several susceptibility genes through candidate-gene or genome-wide association studies, may have implications for the recovery of language function. The current chapter discusses both the direct and indirect evidence for a genetic basis of aphasia recovery, the implications of recent findings within the field, and potential future directions to advance understanding of the genetics-recovery associations.

Prospective observational study of young adult ischemic stroke patients

OBJECTIVE

Ischemic stroke (IS) in young patients may differ in etiology and prognosis from later-life IS, which is much more common. A number of single-center and population-based cohorts of affected individuals have been published, but information on the long-term prognosis of these patients is limited.

METHODS

IS patients (≤55 years), discharged over a 10-year period, were evaluated and prospectively followed. Subgroups were evaluated for type of stroke, antecedent risk factors (RF), long-term outcomes, and occupational status over several years of follow-up.

RESULTS

178 IS individuals from 2001-2010 were divided into older (46-55, n = 118) and younger (18-45, n = 60) age groups. Traditional RF-hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia-were significantly associated with IS, and increased with age. The distribution and type of IS were similar in both groups, except for an increase in small vessel IS among the older subgroup (p = .003). Of the evaluable patients at 5.1 ± 2.5 years of follow-up (n = 138), a similar proportion of patients in both subgroups had a recurrent IS, but no significant differences were found in most disability indices. Approximately one third of patients suffered from moderate to severe disability, and were unable to return to their prior work.

CONCLUSIONS

Younger and older IS patients are generally predisposed from the same traditional RF which progress with age. Long-term disabilities tend to worsen over time due to recurrent vascular events. These data emphasize the need for a strategy for early identification of the already well-known stroke RF in younger stroke patients.

Discovery of Anti-SS-A Antibodies during Stroke Investigations in Young Adults: What Impact?

OBJECTIVES

French national guidelines recommend searching for anti-SS-A antibodies during the second-line assessment of stroke in adults < 55 years of age in the absence of an identified etiology. We aimed to assess the impact of finding anti-SS-A antibodies during the etiological investigations of stroke in young adults.

METHODS

Medical files from all patients ≤ 55 years of age admitted to a single stroke unit during a five-year period and for whom anti-SS-A antibodies were positive were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

Twelve patients were included (9 women; median age 48.5 years), with a rate of anti-SS-A antibody positivity of 1.6% (95% confidence interval [0.71-2.55] %; 12/735 admissions). The etiologies of the 12 ischemic events based on the TOAST classification were large-artery atherosclerosis (n = 1), cardioembolism (n = 1), small-vessel disease (n = 1), other determined etiology (n = 3), multiple etiology (n = 1), and no determined etiology (n = 5). A connective tissue disease (CTD) was discovered in 8/12 patients (1 primary Sjögren's Syndrome, 1 mixed CTD, 1 systemic sclerosis, 2 antiphospholipid syndromes, 1 undetermined CTD, 2 lupus). Anti-SSA antibodies were not directly responsible for the stroke in any of the 12 cases. A link between the autoimmune disease and the neurological vascular episode could be hypothesized for four patients, but it never influenced the therapeutic decision.

CONCLUSIONS

Finding anti-SS-A antibodies during the etiological assessment of a stroke of young adults is rare. However, it may be worthwhile to refer the patient to a rheumatologist/an internist because CTD may be discovered and may require specific follow-up.

Effect of Moderately but Persistently Elevated Lipid Levels on Risks of Stroke and Myocardial Infarction in Young Korean Adults

Background

Identifying predictive markers for future atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases may be helpful to motivate young adults to promote healthy lifestyle. We sought to determine the association between persistently elevated low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (LDL‐C) and/or triglyceride levels and the atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases risks in young adults.

Methods and Results

We conducted a nationwide population‐based cohort study of 1 887 853 statin‐naive adults aged 20 to 39 years, with LDL‐C <190 mg/dL, using the Korean National Health Insurance Service database. Persistently elevated LDL‐C and triglyceride levels were defined by ≥3 measurements of ≥160 and ≥175 mg/dL, respectively. The primary outcome was a composite of stroke and myocardial infarction. Among the study population, 11 121 (0.59%) and 167 373 (8.87%) had persistently elevated LDL‐C and triglycerides, respectively. During a median follow‐up of 5.2 years, 2170 and 1537 incidences of stroke (0.16%) and myocardial infarction (0.23%) occurred. Persistently elevated LDL‐C levels were significantly associated with increased risks of the primary outcome, with an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 1.396 (95% CI, 1.005–1.940). This association was independent of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol. Persistently elevated triglycerides were significantly associated with increased risks of the primary outcome (HR, 1.120; 95% CI, 1.015–1.236), but attenuated after adjustment for high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol.

Conclusions

Persistently elevated LDL‐C and triglyceride levels were associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases risk in young Korean adults without severe hypercholesterolemia. These lipid abnormalities should be considered risk factors in young adults since their effects on lifetime atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases risk may become more pronounced over the life course.

Machine learning-based multimodal prediction of language outcomes in chronic aphasia

Recent studies have combined multiple neuroimaging modalities to gain further understanding of the neurobiological substrates of aphasia. Following this line of work, the current study uses machine learning approaches to predict aphasia severity and specific language measures based on a multimodal neuroimaging dataset. A total of 116 individuals with chronic left-hemisphere stroke were included in the study. Neuroimaging data included task-based functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), diffusion-based fractional anisotropy (FA)-values, cerebral blood flow (CBF), and lesion-load data. The Western Aphasia Battery was used to measure aphasia severity and specific language functions. As a primary analysis, we constructed support vector regression (SVR) models predicting language measures based on (i) each neuroimaging modality separately, (ii) lesion volume alone, and (iii) a combination of all modalities. Prediction accuracy across models was subsequently statistically compared. Prediction accuracy across modalities and language measures varied substantially (predicted vs. empirical correlation range: r = .00-.67). The multimodal prediction model yielded the most accurate prediction in all cases (r = .53-.67). Statistical superiority in favor of the multimodal model was achieved in 28/30 model comparisons (p-value range: <.001-.046). Our results indicate that different neuroimaging modalities carry complementary information that can be integrated to more accurately depict how brain damage and remaining functionality of intact brain tissue translate into language function in aphasia.

Prevalence and correlates of post-traumatic stress disorder after ischaemic stroke

Although most often considered a consequence of traumatic event, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) also occurs after illness. The aim of this study was to establish prevalence of PTSD in patients with ischaemic stroke (IS) and its correlation to lesion location, degree of disability, age, gender and marital status. The study included 85 patients with IS. PTSD was diagnosed using a modified version of the PTSD Checklist Specific for a stressor (PCL-S). Depression and anxiety were assessed using Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). We defined stroke localisation as right cerebral hemisphere, left cerebral hemisphere, brainstem and cerebellum. Stroke severity was measured using the modified Rankin scale (mRS). Demographic information including age, gender and marital status was collected from medical history. Of the 85 patients with IS, 11 (12.9%) fulfilled PCL-S criteria for PTSD. We found a positive correlation between PTSD and higher degree of disability, P < 0.001. Patients with PTSD had lesions more frequently localised in the right cerebral hemisphere and the brainstem. We found no statistically significant correlation of PTSD with age, gender and marital status. Our results show that a significant number of IS patients develop PTSD after IS. Determining correlates of post-stroke PTSD can help to identify those at higher risk for its development. If proven by additional large sample studies, more patients can benefit from screening for the PTSD symptoms.

Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics-2021 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association

BACKGROUND

The American Heart Association, in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health, annually reports the most up-to-date statistics related to heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular risk factors, including core health behaviors (smoking, physical activity, diet, and weight) and health factors (cholesterol, blood pressure, and glucose control) that contribute to cardiovascular health. The Statistical Update presents the latest data on a range of major clinical heart and circulatory disease conditions (including stroke, congenital heart disease, rhythm disorders, subclinical atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, heart failure, valvular disease, venous disease, and peripheral artery disease) and the associated outcomes (including quality of care, procedures, and economic costs).

METHODS

The American Heart Association, through its Statistics Committee, continuously monitors and evaluates sources of data on heart disease and stroke in the United States to provide the most current information available in the annual Statistical Update. The 2021 Statistical Update is the product of a full year's worth of effort by dedicated volunteer clinicians and scientists, committed government professionals, and American Heart Association staff members. This year's edition includes data on the monitoring and benefits of cardiovascular health in the population, an enhanced focus on social determinants of health, adverse pregnancy outcomes, vascular contributions to brain health, the global burden of cardiovascular disease, and further evidence-based approaches to changing behaviors related to cardiovascular disease.

RESULTS

Each of the 27 chapters in the Statistical Update focuses on a different topic related to heart disease and stroke statistics.

CONCLUSIONS

The Statistical Update represents a critical resource for the lay public, policy makers, media professionals, clinicians, health care administrators, researchers, health advocates, and others seeking the best available data on these factors and conditions.

Association Between Walking Pace and Stroke Incidence: Findings From the UK Biobank Prospective Cohort Study

Background and Purpose- Stroke incidence in younger and middle-aged people is growing. Despite this, its associations in this subset of the stroke population are unknown, and prevention strategies are not tailored to meet their needs. This study examined the association between self-reported walking pace and incident stroke. Methods- Data from the UK Biobank were used in a prospective population-based study. Three hundred and sixty-three thousand, one hundred and thirty-seven participants aged 37 to 73 years (52% women) were recruited. The associations of self-reported walking pace with stroke incidence over follow-up were investigated using Cox proportional-hazard models. Results- Among 363,137 participants, 2705 (0.7%) participants developed a fatal or nonfatal stroke event over the mean follow-up period of 6.1 years (interquartile range, 5.4-6.7). Slow walking pace was associated with a higher hazard for stroke incidence (hazard ratio [HR], 1.45 [95% CI, 1.26-1.66]; P<0.0001). Stroke incidence was not associated with walking pace among people <65 years of age. However, slow walking pace was associated with a higher risk of stroke among participants aged ≥65 years (HR, 1.42 [95% CI, 1.17-1.72]; P<0.0001). A higher risk for stroke was observed on those with middle (HR, 1.28 [95% CI, 1.01-1.63]; P=0.039) and higher (HR, 1.29 [95% CI, 1.05-1.69]; P=0.012) deprivation levels but not in the least deprived individuals. Similarly, overweight (HR, 1.30 [95% CI, 1.04-1.63]; P=0.019) and obese (HR, 1.33 [95% CI, 1.09-1.63]; P=0.004) but not normal-weight individuals had a higher risk of stroke incidence. Conclusions- Slow walking pace was associated with a higher risk of stroke among participants over 64 years of age in this population-based cohort study. The addition of the measurement of self-reported walking pace to primary care or public health clinical consultations may be a useful screening tool for stroke risk.

Increased awareness, inadequate treatment, and poor control of cardiovascular risk factors in American young adults: 2005-2016

INTRODUCTION

There are little contemporary data about cardiovascular risk factors among young adults. We defined trends in diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia in American adults aged 18-44 years.

METHODS

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Study serial cross-sectional surveys were used to define three time periods: 2005-2008, 2009-2012, and 2013-2016. Age-adjusted weighted trends of prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of DM, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia were calculated by linear regression modelling in the overall sample, males, and females. Trends were calculated after adjustment for age, race, body mass index, smoking status, education attainment, income, insurance status, and number of healthcare visits.

RESULTS

From 2005-2008 to 2013-2016, 15,171 participants were identified. DM prevalence was stable ∼3%, hypertension prevalence was stable ∼11.0%, and hypercholesterolemia prevalence declined from 11.5% to 9.0% (ptrend = 0.02). DM awareness stayed stable between 61.1 and 74.1%, hypertension awareness increased from 68.7 to 77.7% (ptrend = 0.05), and hypercholesterolemia awareness was stable between 46.8 and 54.1%. DM and hypertension treatment improved markedly (ptrend < 0.001 and 0.05, respectively) but the hypercholesterolemia treatment was stable ∼30%. DM control improved across survey periods (7.7-17.4%, ptrend = 0.04) but hypertension control (∼50%) and hypercholesterolemia control (∼13%) remained stable. Prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control trends also differed between males and females.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a stable prevalence of DM, high and stable prevalence of hypertension, and declining prevalence of hypercholesterolemia among young Americans. Despite stable or increasing awareness of diabetes and hypertension, there are inadequate treatment and control trends for DM, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia.

Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics-2020 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association

BACKGROUND

The American Heart Association, in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health, annually reports on the most up-to-date statistics related to heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular risk factors, including core health behaviors (smoking, physical activity, diet, and weight) and health factors (cholesterol, blood pressure, and glucose control) that contribute to cardiovascular health. The Statistical Update presents the latest data on a range of major clinical heart and circulatory disease conditions (including stroke, congenital heart disease, rhythm disorders, subclinical atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, heart failure, valvular disease, venous disease, and peripheral artery disease) and the associated outcomes (including quality of care, procedures, and economic costs).

METHODS

The American Heart Association, through its Statistics Committee, continuously monitors and evaluates sources of data on heart disease and stroke in the United States to provide the most current information available in the annual Statistical Update. The 2020 Statistical Update is the product of a full year's worth of effort by dedicated volunteer clinicians and scientists, committed government professionals, and American Heart Association staff members. This year's edition includes data on the monitoring and benefits of cardiovascular health in the population, metrics to assess and monitor healthy diets, an enhanced focus on social determinants of health, a focus on the global burden of cardiovascular disease, and further evidence-based approaches to changing behaviors, implementation strategies, and implications of the American Heart Association's 2020 Impact Goals.

RESULTS

Each of the 26 chapters in the Statistical Update focuses on a different topic related to heart disease and stroke statistics.

CONCLUSIONS

The Statistical Update represents a critical resource for the lay public, policy makers, media professionals, clinicians, healthcare administrators, researchers, health advocates, and others seeking the best available data on these factors and conditions.

Role of PFO Closure in Ischemic Stroke Prevention

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To highlight recent advancements in the management of acute ischemic stroke patients with patent foramen ovale (PFO).

RECENT FINDINGS

One significant recent development was publication of long-term follow-up data from the RESPECT trial demonstrating evidence in favor of PFO closure over medical management. This data subsequently led to FDA approval for AMPLATZER™ septal occluder in the treatment of patients aged 18 to 60 years with both PFO and no other determined etiology for ischemic stroke, otherwise referred to as embolic stroke of undetermined source. Several subsequent closure trial results have recently been published, which also demonstrated benefit of PFO closure over medical management for ischemic stroke risk reduction in select patients. Based on the results of the more recently published REDUCE trial, the FDA granted approval for the GORE™ septal occluder. There is current, well-established evidence that PFO closure for secondary stroke prevention is effective in select cases.