The real stroke burden in the Philippines

Stroke is the Philippines' second leading cause of death. It has a prevalence of 0 center dot 9%; ischemic stroke comprises 70% while hemorrhagic stroke comprises 30%. Age-adjusted hypertension prevalence is 20 center dot 6%, diabetes 6 center dot 0%, dyslipidemia 72 center dot 0%, smoking 31%, and obesity 4 center dot 9%. The neurologist-to-patient ratio is 1:330 center dot 000, with 67% of neurologists practicing in urban centers. Health care is largely private and the cost is borne out-of-pocket by patients and their families. Challenges include delivering adequate support to the rural communities and to the underprivileged sectors.