Cerebrovascular Disease
2 October 2024
Introduction
Cerebrovascular disease (CVD) is a group of diseases related to blood vessels supplying the brain. The arteries of the brain can be blocked by blood clots and deprive the brain cells of nutrients and oxygen. Alternatively, bursting of an artery of the brian 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.
Cerebrovascular diseases corresponds to codes 430-438 in ICD-9 and I60-I69 in ICD-10.
CVD claimed about 23800 inpatient discharges and inpatient deaths in all hospitals†, and 3057 registered deaths‡ in 2022. It was the fifth commonest cause of deaths in Hong Kong and accounted for 5.0% of all registered deaths in 2022. The crude death rates were 48.1 for males and 36.1 for females per 100000 population of respective sexes in 2022. The age-standardised death rates were 19.6 for males and 11.7 for females per 100000 standard population in 2022.
Population Health Survey 2020-22 revealed that 0.8% of persons aged 15 or above reported doctor-diagnosed stroke, with a higher prevalence in males (1.1%) than in females (0.5%). The prevalence increased from 0.1% for people aged 35-44 to 4.3% for people aged 85 or above.
Number of registered deaths and crude death rate of cerebrovascular disease by sex, 1981-2022 （View）
Age-standardised death rate* of cerebrovascular
disease by sex, 1981-2022
| Notes: | † | Include both inpatient discharges and inpatient deaths in all hospitals with cerebrovascular disease as the principal diagnosis in that episode of hospitalisation. |
| ‡ | Include registered deaths with cerebrovascular disease as the underlying cause of death. | |
| * | Age-standardised death rates are compiled based on the 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 2021 Population Census conducted by Census and Statistics Department from June to August 2021 provides a benchmark for revising the population figures complied since the 2016 Population By-census. Population-related figures from 2017 to 2020 have been revised accordingly. |
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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. |
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Sources: |
Census and Statistics Department |
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 mellitus, 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 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 maintaining an optimal weight and waist circumference are also important.
Related information
To know more about CVD and healthy lifestyle, please browse the website of the Elderly Health Services of the Department of Health offers various health promotion programmes for the elderly.
