People living in Scotland’s most deprived areas are more likely to die in the year following a stroke than those in less deprived areas, according to new research from the University of Aberdeen.

The study, funded by charity Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS), also found people in more deprived areas are having strokes younger and experience more co-existing health conditions.

Researchers analysed data from nearly 50,000 patients recorded in the Scottish Stroke Care Audit, focusing on a range of post-stroke outcomes, including death from any cause within a year and prescriptions given to prevent further strokes.

Their findings reveal patients from deprived areas are less likely to receive guideline-recommended treatment after a stroke – particularly for those with a heart rhythm condition called atrial fibrillation, where blood thinners are more effective than aspirin-like drugs in preventing recurrence.

However, deprived patients were significantly more likely to be given the less effective medication.

Researchers say the findings underline the need to adapt the national approach to stroke prevention and management to address these disparities and focus on different approaches for more deprived neighbourhoods.

Lead researcher, the University of Aberdeen’s Dr Kadie-Ann Sterling, said:

“Understanding the differences in stroke presentation and outcomes between different neighbourhoods should influence public health education, decisions around screening for cardiovascular risk factors and should also be a factor when considering more focussed longer-term follow-up in the most vulnerable patients.”

This comes after the Scottish government launched a new GP scheme to help reduce avoidable deaths from conditions like heart disease and stroke by 20% over the next two decades. 

The government detailed that the scheme would prioritise patients from more deprived areas, with target population for this service is characterised by “missingness”.

While noting stroke survivors benefit from better general health if living in more affluent areas, the researchers highlighted the need for awareness work around stroke risk factors as part of efforts to address this disparity.

However, they added that even after taking stroke severity, access to stroke care and co-existing conditions into consideration, a difference in death rates between affluent and deprived areas persists.  

The Aberdeen team hope to see these findings considered when developing public health policy, with a view to tailoring advice and subsequent treatment according to where people live.

In response to the findings, CHSS is calling for urgent action from the Scottish government and NHS to transform the way health services are delivered.

Chief Executive Jane-Claire Judson said the findings amplify the need for a “substantial rethink” of health and care services across Scotland:

“The study confirms what we see every day in communities across Scotland – stroke care is not equal, and that’s unacceptable. 

“The worrying trend that people living in more deprived areas are more likely to die within a year of a stroke and less likely to receive the right treatment or consistent care is both alarming and unjust. The postcode lottery for treatment and care must end.

“At CHSS, we’re already working in communities to deliver prevention, support recovery, and enable people to self-manage their condition. But we can’t do it alone. 

“We’re calling on the Scottish government and NHS to act now. We need a proactive approach to transforming healthcare services, and CHSS stands ready to help drive forward a fairer and more effective stroke care system for everyone in Scotland.”

A Scottish government spokesperson told healthandcare.scot:

“We are determined to reduce avoidable cardiovascular deaths and will support 100,000 patients who may be at risk of cardiovascular disease, including stroke, due to obesity, smoking, high blood sugar, blood pressure or cholesterol, with extra GP appointments by March next year.

“This is as part of our cardiovascular disease risk factors programme and has particular focus on supporting people living in areas of deprivation.”

Read more: New gene study offers arthritis treatment insights; Charting Scotland's future health demand; Scotland “cannot be complacent” on breast cancer rise; Treatment-resistant cancer focus of new study; Expanding Scotland’s frailty care to address NHS waits 

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