Stroke Risk: Are Asians and Caucasians Different?

Do the causes of strokes vary between different races? DR SRIRAM NARAYANAN, Senior Consultant Vascular and Endovascular Surgeon at The Harley Street Heart and Vascular Centre, shares his insights.

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Stroke can lead to paralysis, loss of independence, mobility challenges and even death. It's the fifth leading cause of death amongst Caucasians and the number one cause in China. Here, in the melting pot of races that is Singapore, it's the fourth leading cause of death, with about four percent of adults over the age of 50 likely to have a stroke.

50, did I say? Yes, indeed; there is a growing trend worldwide for young adults in their forties and fifties to have a stroke. And, perhaps surprisingly, women across the world face a higher risk of stroke compared to men.

What causes a stroke?