[Stroke--similar incidence, better prognosis].
BACKGROUND
In Norway, limited information is available on stroke morbidity, and trends in stroke incidence and prognosis have not been studied. The aim of this article is to present epidemiological data from Norway and our neighbouring countries.


METHODS
We compare data from a population-based stroke study carried out in Nord-Trøndelag in 1994-1996, with results from similar studies in Sweden, Denmark and Finland. Trends in mortality are retrieved from the Norwegian Cause of Death Register, Statistics Norway. Trends in incidence and lethality are data from the WHO-MONICA project and studies from the other Nordic countries.


CONCLUSIONS
Approximately 11,000 first-ever strokes and 3,500 recurrent strokes are expected in Norway annually. The risk of stroke is higher for men than women. The incidence rates are similar to rates found in Sweden and Denmark. Trend studies of incidence from other Nordic countries show conflicting results, but survival has increased. In Norway, stroke mortality has decreased. We have also observed a decrease in blood pressure from the sixties, a reduced proportion of daily smokers and an increased consumption of prophylactic medication. An aging population, better survival and small changes in stroke incidence will probably result in increased prevalence and need of health care service in the future.
Ellekjaer
Hanne
H
Avdelig for hjerneslag, Medisinsk klinikk, St. Olavs Hospital, 7006 Trondheim. hanne.ellekjer@stolav.no
Selmer
Randi
R
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003718:Denmark / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009664:Norway / Q000453:epidemiology; D011379:Prognosis; D012042:Registries; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D020521:Stroke / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000401:mortality; D013548:Sweden / Q000453:epidemiology