On Sept. 18, 2024, a study published in The Lancel reported that here has been a rapid rise in the global stroke burden between 1990 and 2021, due to both population growth and the rise of aging populations worldwide, as well as a substantial increase in people’s exposure to environmental and behavioural risk factors. 

Globally, the number of people having a new stroke rose to 11.9 million in 2021 (up by 70% since 1990), stroke survivors rose to 93.8 million (up by 86%), and stroke-related deaths rose to 7.3 million (up by 44%), making the condition the third leading cause of death worldwide (after ischaemic heart disease and COVID-19).

For the first time, the study suggested that ambient particulate matter air pollution is a top risk factor for subarachnoid haemorrhage, contributing to 14% of the death and disability caused by this serious stroke subtype, on a par with smoking