Incidence and Prognosis of Stroke in the Belluno Province, Italy First-Year Results of a Community-Based Study

Background and Purpose We sought to register the incidence rate, risk factors, and case-fatality rate of all the new cases of first-ever-in-a-lifetime stroke in the province of Belluno, Italy. This study aimed to provide an epidemiological survey of cerebrovascular disease that could supply investigative objectives and support information for regional healthcare facilities planning. Methods We undertook a prospective population-based study in the territory of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th local health units in the province of Belluno, an area located in northeast Italy (population, 211 389). Results In the first year of the study (June 1, 1992, to May 31, 1993), 474 cases of first-ever stroke were registered. The crude annual incidence rate was 2.24/1000 (2.01/1000 for men and 2.45/1000 for women). After adjustment to the European population, the incidence rate for first stroke was 1.70/1000 per year. The pathological diagnosis was confirmed by a CT scan in 89.5% of cases. Cerebral infarction accounted for 3...