Trends in Mortality from Hemorrhagic Stroke in Korea from 2012 to 2020

PURPOSE: To analyze trends in mortality rates from hemorrhagic stroke (HS) according to HS subtypes, using nationwide data from January 2012 to December 2020. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used data from the National Health Claims Database provided by the National Health Insurance Service for 2012–2020 using the International Classification of Disease. The age-adjusted mortality rates of HS, which included subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), were calculated, and additional analyses were conducted according to age and sex. RESULTS: The age-adjusted mortality rates for HS, SAH, and ICH decreased substantially in both sexes between 2012 and 2020. During the study period, mortality rates for HS decreased from 8.87 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants to 6.27 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants. Regarding SAH, mortality rates decreased from 3.72 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants to 2.57 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants. Concerning ICH, mortality rates decreased from 6.91 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants to 4.75 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants. The average annual percentage change for HS, SAH, and ICH was –0.04, –0.04, and –0.05, respectively. Mortality rates from HS, SAH, and ICH in both sexes decreased from 2012 to 2020 in all age groups. CONCLUSION: In Korea, the age-adjusted mortality rate of HS, SAH, and ICH demonstrated a declining trend in both sexes and across all age groups. These results may aid in the design and improvement of preventive strategies.