Scots from poorer areas less likely to survive stroke

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.