Stroke in Saudi Arabia: epidemiology, prevention, clinical management, and emerging innovations-a narrative review.

Authors

Abdullah A Alshehri, Mohammad N Alkhrayef, Rawan Alzaidi, Yahya M K Tawfik, Ahmad M Aldossary, Musaad A Altammami, Ibrahim A Alradwan, Meteb M Altaf, Fahad A Almughem, Majed A Majrashi, Mohammad N Alomary, Abdullah O Alshehry, Seham Almehmadi, Meshael Alturki, Nojoud Al Fayez, Ghalia H Bakhsh, Mai M Alzaydi, Mariam T Tawfik, Fahad S Al-Ajlan, Abdel Douiri, Adel Alhazzani, Essam A Tawfik

Published in

Frontiers in medicine. Volume 13. Pages 1837691. Epub Oct 28, 2026.

Abstract

Stroke is a leading cause of disability and mortality worldwide and poses an increasing public health challenge in Saudi Arabia. This review summarizes national and regional data from Saudi Arabia on epidemiology, risk factors, clinical practices, and future directions of stroke management. The annual incidence of stroke is approximately 57 cases per 100,000 population, with higher rates among older adults and men. The overall number of stroke cases continues to increase, driven by population aging, demographic growth, and lifestyle-related risk factors. Hypertension, diabetes, obesity, dyslipidemia, and smoking are the principal modifiable risk factors, whereas age, sex, and genetics remain key non-modifiable contributors. Current challenges include weak primary prevention, limited public awareness, and insufficient emergency response systems. Although significant advances in acute stroke treatments, such as thrombolysis and thrombectomy, are widely available in tertiary centers, national access remains uneven, and disparities persist in secondary prevention and rehabilitation. Emerging innovations, including AI-based diagnostics, personalized treatment strategies, and integrated stroke care networks, are increasingly shaping clinical practice. Comprehensive national strategies are needed to strengthen prevention, optimize acute and long-term management, and inform policy development to reduce Saudi Arabia's growing stroke burden.

PMID:
43017436
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 12 Nov 2026.

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