Warning: These Age Groups Are at High Risk of Stroke

According to a survey by the Indonesian Ministry of Health (Kemenkes), the prevalence of stroke in the population aged 15 years and older nationwide reached 8.3 permil in 2023. This means that in that year, approximately 8 out of 1,000 people suffered a stroke.

Stroke is a brain hemorrhage that can cause paralysis and death.

In 2023, this disease was most prevalent in the age group 75 years and older, with a prevalence of 41.3 permil.

The next highest stroke prevalence was in the 65-74 year age group (35.4 permil) and the 55-64 year age group (23.6 permil).

Prevalence decreased in younger age groups, as shown in the graph.

Citing the official Kemenkes website, stroke is the leading cause of disability and the second leading cause of death worldwide after heart disease.

"In Indonesia, stroke is the leading cause of death, accounting for 19.42% of total deaths based on 2019 data from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME)," said Director of Control and Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases Eva Susanti, as reported on the Kemenkes website (October 27, 2023).

Eva stated that approximately 90% of stroke cases can be prevented by avoiding or controlling risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, smoking, unhealthy diet, and lack of physical activity.