Stroke is one of the leading causes of deaths in Korea. According to the report
from Korean National Statistical Office, the mortality rate of stroke was
77.2/100,000 persons in 2002. In the past, hemorrhagic stroke was more prevalent
than ischemic stroke in Korea. However, the ratio of hemorrhagic to ischemic stroke
has been reversed since late－1980s. This trend might be due to the westernization
of lifestyle as well as better control of stroke risk factors such as hypertension and
diabetes. Of ischemic stroke, the incidence of cardioembolism is relatively low in
Korea compared with in Western countries, especially in posterior circulation disorders.
This observation reflects the epidemiologic characteristic of stroke in Korea
where the prevalence of cardiac diseases is relatively low. The case fatality rate from
one of the largest hospital－based stroke registries was 7.7% within 30 days after
the onset of acute ischemic stroke, which is similar to those from other series in
western countries with advanced medical care systems. However, the delay of hospital
visit after the onset of stroke and the lower compliance for secondary prevention
remain obstacles in managing stroke patients in Korea.
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