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High-income earners exhibit a 32% lower risk of mortality post-stroke, while those with higher education levels demonstrate a 26% reduced risk, according to a study conducted at the University of Gothenburg.

Presented on Wednesday at the European Stroke Conference ESOC 2024 in Basel, Switzerland, the study, led by Katharina Stibrant Sunnerhagen, Professor of Rehabilitation Medicine at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, analyzed data from 6,901 stroke patients at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg. The study aimed to investigate the influence of social determinants of health on stroke survival.

The register-based study scrutinized four primary factors: place of residence, country of birth, education, and income. Disadvantageous elements included residing in areas classified as vulnerable, being born outside Sweden or Europe, having a limited education, and low income.

In addition to income and education's association with stroke survival, the study presented a concerning trend in the cumulative impact of multiple factors. Individuals with one disadvantageous factor faced an 18% higher risk of post-stroke mortality, rising to 24% with two to four disadvantageous factors compared to those with none, Medical Express reported.

Lead researcher Sunnerhagen noted the critical role socioeconomic status plays, stating: "An individual's socio-economic situation can be a matter of life and death within the context of stroke, especially when several disadvantageous factors come into play."

The study also identified heightened risks of post-stroke mortality associated with additional factors such as physical inactivity, diabetes, alcohol abuse, and atrial fibrillation. Gender disparities were evident, with women comprising a larger proportion of groups with multiple disadvantageous factors.

Sunnerhagen stressed the need for targeted interventions saying: "The number of people suffering from stroke in Europe is expected to increase, making the need for effective interventions more important than ever."

"Targeted strategies are crucial, policy makers need to tailor legislation and consider specific circumstances and needs in different parts of society, while health care providers should consider identifying patients at higher risk of fatality from stroke."