PEOPLE living in Scotland’s most deprived areas are more likely to die in the year after a stroke than those in more affluent areas, new research has found.
A study by the University of Aberdeen, funded by Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland (CHSS), also found those in deprived areas were having strokes younger, as well experiencing more co-existing health conditions.
According to Health and Care Scotland, data from almost 50,000 patients recorded in the Scottish Stroke Care Audit was analysed, focusing on various post-stroke outcomes including death from any cause within a year and prescriptions given to offset potential future strokes.
The study found that stroke patients from deprived areas, especially those with conditions like atrial fibrillation, were less likely to receive guideline-recommended treatment and more likely to be prescribed less effective medication.
Researchers say the findings highlight the need to rethink the national approach to stroke prevention and care, with tailored strategies for more deprived communities to address disparities.
Lead researcher Dr Kadie-Ann Sterling said: “Understanding the differences in stroke presentation and outcomes between different neighbourhoods should influence public health education, decisions around screening for cardiovascular risk factors and should also be a factor when considering more focussed longer-term follow-up in the most vulnerable patients.”
It follows the Scottish Government’s launch of a new GP scheme aiming to cut deaths from heart disease and stroke by 20% over 20 years, with a focus on deprived areas where patients are often underrepresented in care.
Researchers noted that stroke survivors in affluent areas tend to have better general health and called for greater awareness of stroke risk factors to help close this gap, adding that mortality differences persist even after accounting for stroke severity, access to care, and other health conditions.
CHSS have called for urgent action from the Government, with chief executive Jane-Claire Judson saying: “The worrying trend that people living in more deprived areas are more likely to die within a year of a stroke and less likely to receive the right treatment or consistent care is both alarming and unjust. The postcode lottery for treatment and care must end.
“At CHSS, we’re already working in communities to deliver prevention, support recovery, and enable people to self-manage their condition. But we can’t do it alone.
“We’re calling on the Scottish Government and NHS to act now. We need a proactive approach to transforming healthcare services, and CHSS stands ready to help drive forward a fairer and more effective stroke care system for everyone in Scotland.”
A spokesperson for the Scottish Government told The National: “We are determined to reduce avoidable cardiovascular deaths and will support 100,000 patients who may be at risk of cardiovascular disease, including stroke, due to obesity, smoking, high blood sugar, blood pressure or cholesterol, with extra GP appointments by March next year.
"This is as part of our cardiovascular disease risk factors programme and has particular focus on supporting people living in areas of deprivation.”
