The objective of this study was to analyze the burden of stroke in Latin America countries (LAC) in 2017 and evaluate the associated risk factor, by sex, age and type of disorder. 

We systematically evaluated the Global Burden of Diseases Database 2017. The measure of burden used was Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), which it results from the sum of the Years of Life Lost (YLL) and Years Lived with Disability (YLD). DALYs were adjusted for comorbidity and were estimated with 95% confidence intervals. Data were selected for Latin America (22 countries) in 2017 for DALY, YLD and YLL per year, sex, age and type of neurological disorder.

The Burden of stroke in LA is 6 066 164,5 DALYS (UI 7,2 – 4,5x10⁶), mainly due to YLD burden (5 505 926.1, UI 6,1 – 4,3 x10⁶) compared to YLLs (827 739.6, UI 9,3-6,12x10⁵). The hemorrhagic type generated higher DALYS. Brazil, Argentina and Mexico have the highest rates. The principal risk factors were behavioral factors, metabolic factors and environmental factors. The total DALYs are higher in males compared to females, mainly related to behavioral risk factors.

The burden of Stroke in LA is higher, related to YLDs and hemorrhagic stroke. More than 80% of the stroke burden is attributable to modifiable risk factors in LA. Air pollution is a significant contributor. Priority actions should be taken to prevent and reduce the burden of stroke in LA.