Trends in Stroke Mortality Rate — China, 2004–2019

INTRODUCTION: Stroke has been the leading cause of death in China for decades. This study described the trends in stroke mortality in China from 2004 to 2019. METHODS: Data was obtained from the National Disease Surveillance Point (DSP) system. A descriptive analysis was conducted. The adjusted mortality rate (AMR) and age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) of stroke were calculated. RESULTS: From 2004 to 2019, the ASMR substantially decreased, with a reduction of 39.8%, but the AMR stayed relatively stable. The mortality rate of stroke in rural areas was consistently higher than in urban areas. A geographical gradient in mortality of stroke was also apparent, with an increased rate in the western part of China and a decreased rate in the eastern part of China. In central China, the rate remained relatively stable. CONCLUSIONS: Although the ASMR of stroke continued to decline in China, the stagnant crude mortality rates suggested that China had not achieved sufficient decline to offset the demographic forces of population growth and ageing. More vigorous and effective prevention and treatment strategies are urgently needed to mitigate the disease burden of stroke in China, especially in areas with high stroke burden and limited resources.