Stroke remains the most common life-threatening neurological disease
globally and impacts individuals, their families and society. It is the leading cause
of disability among elderly and the second leading cause of mortality worldwide.
Every year 16 million people worldwide suffer a stroke, of which 5,7 million die and
5 million remain disabled.
The incidence of stroke in Europe varies from 101.1 to 239.3 per 100,000
among men and from 63.0 to 158.7 per 100,000 among women, being the highest
in Eastern Europe. In the Republic of Moldova during the years 2000-2014 there is
a progressive increase of incidence and prevalence of cerebrovascular diseases
reported per 10,000 population, the incidence increased from 20.4 in 2000 to
26.82 in 2014, and the prevalence from 67.0 in 2000 to 199.08 in 2014. The death
rate from stroke in Republic of Moldova remains one of the highest in Europe. But
a good knowledge of risk factors for stroke should help to implement relevant
strategies and policies, and reduce stroke incidence, mortality and sequels. In this
context we performed an epidemiological study to collect data and it had covered
the period from Octomber to December 2015. The aim of the study was to identify
the prevalence of the risk factors for stroke in the Republic of Moldova.
Thus, prevention is the primary treatment strategy, aimed to reduce morbidity
and mortality related to stroke. Knowledge about specific risk factors for stroke
in the population of Republic of Moldova will contribute to developing a national

strategy for primary prevention of stroke.