Burden of stroke in people aged ≥60 years in Zhejiang province

Objective To understand the incidence, death and burden of stroke in people aged 60 years in Zhejiang province. Methods The incidence rate and death rate of stroke were calculated by using the stroke case data reported in Zhejiang in 2009, the disability-adjusted life year (DALY) was calculated by using the DALY calculation template recommended by WHO and the indirect economic burden was calculated. Results The crude incidence rate of stroke in people aged 60 years was 1480.82/lakh in Zhejiang in 2009 (the standardized rate: 1354.74/lakh). The crude death rate was 289.40/lakh (the standardized rate was 248.16/lakh). The total loss of stroke was 215 621 DALYs, Averagely 33.9 DALYs were lost per 1000 persons and the indirect economic burden was 55. 6216 million yuan. Conclusion Stroke caused considerable disease burden for the people in Zhejiang, The prevention of stroke by taking appropriate measures and timely and correct treatment for stroke patients will effectively reduce the disease burden suffered by families and society.