Introduction
Cerebrovascular disease (CVD) is a group of diseases related to blood
vessels supplying the brain. The brain artery can be blocked by blood
clots and deprive the brain cells of nutrients and oxygen. Alternatively,
bursting of a brain artery causes a devastating cerebral haemorrhage with
disruption of brain tissue. The disease can cause severe disabilities
and even death.
Situation in Hong Kong
Classification of diseases and causes of death is based on the International
Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD)
10th Revision from 2001 onwards. Figures from 2001 onwards may not be
comparable with figures for previous years which were compiled based on
the ICD 9th Revision. Hence, caution should be exercised when interpreting
the trend of diseases across 2000 and 2001.
Cerebrovascular diseases corresponds to codes 430-438 in ICD-9 and I60-I69
in ICD-10.
CVD claimed about 26 800 in-patient discharges and deaths in
all hospitals and 3 443 deaths in 2009. It was the fourth commonest cause
of deaths in Hong Kong and accounted for 8.4% of all deaths in 2009.
The crude death rates were 53.5 for male and 45.3 for female per 100 000
population of respective sex in 2009. Age-standardized death rates were 33.2 for male and 20.9 for female
per 100 000 standard population in 2009. From early 1980's to 2000,
the age-standardized mortality rate for CVD has dropped by almost one-half.
The Population Health Survey 2003/04 revealed that 1.1% of people aged
15 and above had doctor-diagnosed CVD.
Number of registered deaths and crude death rate
of cerebrovascular
disease by sex, 1981-2000
Number of registered deaths and crude death rate
of cerebrovascular
disease by sex, 2001-2009
Age-standardized death rate* of cerebrovascular
disease by sex, 1981-2000
Age-standardized death rate* of cerebrovascular
disease by sex, 2001-2009
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Notes:
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*
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Age-standardized death rates are compiled based on a new world standard population specified in GPE Discussion Paper Series: No.31, EIP/GPE/EBD, World Health Organization, 2001. |
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Data in the above charts from 1996 onwards are compiled based on the population estimates under the "resident population" approach instead of the "extended de facto" approach. Also, the Population By-census conducted in July to August 2006 provides a benchmark for revising the population estimates compiled since the 2001 Population Census. |
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Figures from 2001 onwards are compiled based on ICD-10
and thus may not be comparable with figures for previous years compiled
based on ICD-9. |
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Sources:
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Census and Statistics Department
Department of Health
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Symptoms
Symptoms of the disease usually develop suddenly. They may include paralysis
or numbness of the body and limbs, slurring of speech, blurring of vision,
incontinence, abrupt onset of severe headache, unsteadiness and fall.
In severe cases, the patient may go into a coma or die. These symptoms
should be regarded as an emergency. Delay in seeking medical attention
can significantly affect the outcomes and reduce the chances of recovery.
Risk factors
Many risk factors for CVD have been identified. They include advancing
age, hypertension, hyperlipidemia,
diabetes, smoking, excessive drinking, obesity and lack of physical activity. Some underlying
illnesses such as rheumatic heart disease or congenital abnormalities
of brain vessels also increase the risk of CVD.
Prevention
Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption should be avoided. It is imperative
to control hypertension and diabetes to reduce the risk of CVD. A balanced
diet, regular physical activity
and weight control are also important.
Related information
To know more about CVD and healthy lifestyle, please browse the website
of the Health Zone. Besides, the Elderly Health Services of the Department of Health offers
various health promotion programmes for the elderly.
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