Palabras clave: Accidente cerebrovascular, ictus, sistemas de salud, trombolisis terapéutica, tratamiento de urgencia. ABSTRACTStroke patient care has been revolutionized in the last two decades since scientific research has produced a series of results that support the efficacy of two emergency treatment strategies: admission of patients to stroke units and brain thrombolysis treatment. Both strategies significantly reduce death and disability and thus, the cost of post-stroke care. Stroke units assure customized care, which requires changes in hospital infrastructure. Brain thrombolysis depends on time to be effective, so an organized system from pre-hospital care to patient hospitalization is needed. Health systems in most of the developed countries and in a large number of developing nations have introduced substantial changes in this aspect; however, the present conditions of care to those patients suffering from stoke in Cuba have varied a little since the 80´s and the beginning of the 90´s. This article reviewed the results supporting several recommendations for the health authorities, with a view to making changes in the care to the stroke patients.

CD are linked to habits, lifestyles, and risk factors that can be identified early and for which prevention and control measures can be implemented. [13][14][15] In Cuba, hypertension is the risk factor most associated with stroke. The Second National Survey on Risk Factors (2002) reported that 32.6% of the urban population aged >15 years suffered from hypertension. [16]