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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.

Stroke incidence was similar to rates reported in developed countries and lower than that in low- to middle-income countries. Given that diabetes mellitus, heart disease, arterial hypertension, smoking, APOE4, etc. are associated with higher mortality rates, they will require separate analysis in a study of stroke risk factors.

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]