ABSTRACT
Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the major industrialized countries-the United States and Europe-and is the prime cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in Japan. Although steady improvements in prevention and treatment of underlying risks factor for stroke, such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes and smoking, have resulted in a reduced incidence of strokes in many countries, strokes still remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality, and an economic burden for individuals and health management organizations.
