Stroke Occurrence and Prevalence: Insights from a Comprehensive Review of Emerging Trends

Background: and objectives: Stroke continues to be a major global health challenge, with notable differences in its occurrence across various demographic groups. This review aimed to investigate trends in stroke occurrence, focusing on disparities related to age, sex, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and geographic location. Methods: A thorough review of peer-reviewed literature was conducted using prominent databases, such as PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Scopus. Studies published between 2015 and 2025 that examined stroke in relation to demographic factors were included. Articles were selected based on relevance, study design, and quality, and data were synthesized to highlight significant trends. Results: This review revealed that age is a key factor, with the prevalence of stroke rising among older populations due to aging demographics and the increased risk of stroke in individuals aged 65 years and older. Gender differences are also notable, with men experiencing higher stroke rates at younger ages, while women face increased stroke risk at older ages, particularly at the postmenopausal stage. Ethnicity also plays a role, with African Americans and Hispanics having a higher stroke risk than Caucasians, influenced by socioeconomic factors, genetic predispositions, and a higher prevalence of hypertension and diabetes. Conclusion: Demographic disparities significantly affected both the occurrence and outcome of stroke. Addressing these disparities requires comprehensive approaches including enhanced access to preventive care, culturally sensitive health education, and policies aimed at high-risk groups.