INTRODUCTION
Low socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with an increased incidence of stroke.1 People who live in more deprived areas present with more severe strokes at a younger age and are more likely to become disabled as a result.2 Worryingly, socioeconomic deprivation in childhood has been associated with an increased risk of stroke and stroke mortality as an adult, irrespective of socioeconomic circumstances in adult life.3 While there is an abundance of evidence that the most deprived populations are disproportionately affected by the stroke burden, the reasons behind this are less clear.
RISK FACTORS
The UK is a country with high levels of urbanisation and a universal healthcare system. Most UK studies have not found inequalities in access to healthcare services in relation to SES.3 On the other hand, lifestyle factors such as smoking, diet, and exercise significantly contribute to the excess risk of stroke in patients with low SES.2 Socioeconomic factors also seem to play a role in stroke recovery. Stroke survivors who work, have 13 or more years of education, and have adequate income before stroke are less likely to be disabled 3 months after stroke.4 Surprisingly, stroke prevention medication does not seem to diminish the …
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