A serious but often overlooked type of stroke—called subarachnoid hemorrhage—could be prevented in many cases through better public health efforts and personal lifestyle changes, say researchers from New Zealand, Australia, and other countries.
Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) happens when there is bleeding in the space around the brain, often due to a burst blood vessel.
It is the third most common form of stroke, making up about 5 to 10 percent of all strokes.
Though less common than other types, SAH is especially dangerous and can cause death or long-term disability.
In a new study published in JAMA Neurology, the researchers looked at global data on SAH from 1990 to 2021.
They found that, while the overall rate of SAH (adjusted for population age) has more than halved over the last 30 years, the total number of cases is still rising because of population growth and aging.
One of the most important findings is that 70% of SAH cases can be linked to risk factors we can control—especially high blood pressure and smoking. This means many cases of this serious stroke could be avoided through better prevention efforts.
The researchers emphasize that public health strategies—like helping people quit smoking, encouraging regular health checks, and improving access to care for high blood pressure—could have a major impact.
These changes could not only prevent deaths and long-term disability but also reduce the strain on healthcare systems worldwide.
Despite progress in some areas, subarachnoid hemorrhage remains one of the leading causes of death and disability among cardiovascular and neurological conditions. It’s often sudden and severe, affecting people in the middle of their lives and leaving families and communities devastated.
The researchers hope their findings will motivate governments and healthcare organizations to invest in better prevention programs.
They also encourage individuals to take action by managing their blood pressure, quitting smoking, and living a heart-healthy lifestyle.
As the world’s population continues to grow and age, taking proactive steps now could help prevent thousands of avoidable strokes in the future.
