http://www.pulse24.com/News/Top_Story/20060217-004/page.asp

Stroke Survival Rates Linked To Income

There’s no amount of money in the world that can keep you from having a 
stroke, but a new study shows that the more you earn, the better the 
chances you’ll survive such a catastrophic brain event.

According to the Canadian Stroke Network, the likelihood of dying a 
month after a stroke drops by 23 percent for every $10,000 increase in 
your neighbourhood’s average income.

The figures show those who live in an area where people make around 
$30,000 a year have only an 11 percent mortality rate.

But for those residing in places where most people earn 10-grand less, 
the death potential goes up by 13.5 percent.

What does money have to do with the outcome? According to the Network, 
people with more funds tend to seek – and get – treatment faster than 
others without the additional resources.

"This was mainly attributable to delays for patients with lower 
socioeconomic status in recognizing the signs and symptoms of stroke and 
getting to the hospital," explains U. of T. professor and study author 
Dr. Moira Kapral.

She notes giving patients a blood clot busting drug known as tPA can 
make the difference between recovery and severe damage or death.

And those who earn less were the least likely to get it in time.

Her study also shows poorer patients get fewer consultations with 
specialists, although the eventual treatments tend to be the same.

But in the case of strokes, time is like money – and both are too often 
in short supply.

"Socioeconomic status adversely affects stroke care and outcomes, 
despite Canada's universal health insurance program," Kapral complains.

Her conclusions? Officials should ensure stroke information is targeted 
at those in the lower incomes to ensure patients with only minutes to 
spare get to a hospital before it’s too late.


February 17, 2006

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