The recognition rate of stroke and early symptoms, the fourth-largest cause of death, was only 59.2%

Oct 29, 2025

The recognition rate of stroke and early symptoms, the fourth-largest cause of death, was only 59.2%
Data=KCDC



Stroke is one of the fourth most common cerebrovascular diseases in Korea (2024 cause of death statistics), and it is a serious disease that can lead to death in severe cases, such as clogged blood vessels that supply blood to the brain (cerebrovascular infarction) or damage to the brain (cerebrovascular bleeding). However, only 6 out of 10 adults are aware of early stroke symptoms. According to the 2024 community health survey results, the recognition rate of early stroke symptoms was only 59.2%.

Marking World Stroke Day on Oct. 29, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention emphasized the importance of recognizing early stroke symptoms and practicing preventive measures.

According to the 2024 National Data Agency's cause-of-death statistics, 48.2 people per 100,000 people die from cerebrovascular disease, ranking fourth behind cancer, heart disease and pneumonia.




According to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's cardio-cerebrovascular disease incidence statistics, the number of strokes in 2022 was 110,574, about 1.2 times higher in men (61,988) than in women (48,586). The stroke incidence rate was 215.7 per 100,000 people, 242.7 for men and 188.9 for women, and by age group, it was the highest at 1,515.7 for those over 80 years old, and the higher the age group, the higher the incidence rate.

The 30-day fatality rate, which is the percentage of deaths within 30 days after stroke, was 7.9% in 2022, 6.9% for men and 9.1% for women, 2.0%p higher than men, and 11.5% for women over 65 years of age. In addition, the one-year fatality rate, which is the percentage of deaths within a year after occurrence, was 20.1% in 2022, with 18.5% of men and 22.1% of women dying within a year after stroke, and 32.1% of people over the age of 65 died within a year after stroke.

Symptoms of stroke are characterized by sudden appearance, and if a quick diagnosis and proper treatment are not received, the physical and economic burden may increase even if a person survives, such as serious disabilities, so it is important to prevent it and respond early when it occurs.




Risk factors that can cause stroke include high blood pressure, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and smoking, and prevention is important, such as managing these risk factors at all times,

If symptoms such as one face, arm, and leg paralysis, sudden speech and vision disorders, and severe headaches are seen in daily life, which is a typical early stroke symptom, it is important to go to the nearest specialized hospital or emergency room for treatment as soon as possible, such as asking 119 for help without delay.

Early symptoms of stroke include ▲ sudden loss of strength in one face, arms, and legs, ▲ suddenly speaking awkwardly, or not understanding what others say, ▲ suddenly one eye is not visible, half of both eye vision is invisible, or there are two objects, ▲ suddenly feeling dizzy or having a bad headache that has never been experienced before, etc.




Lim Seung-kwan, head of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said "As stroke is characterized by sudden onset, it is important for the people to know and cope with early symptoms" and asked them to pay attention to health care, such as making a daily routine of 9 rules for preventing and managing cardiovascular diseases."



This article was translated by Naver AI translator.