Ministry of Healthcare Identifies Critical Stroke Risks in Thousands of Citizens During 2026 Screenings

The Ministry of Healthcare of the Republic of Kazakhstan has released the results of proactive medical screenings conducted since the beginning of 2026. The data reveals a significant prevalence of serious circulatory system disorders among the nation's adult male population.

Since the start of the year, 82,000 men aged 50 have undergone specialized medical examinations to detect circulatory irregularities. Diagnostic results identified 5,000 individuals suffering from stenosis (narrowing of the blood vessels) in the head and neck. Medical experts identify this pathology as a primary precursor to ischemic stroke.

Despite these findings, Ministry data indicates that only 72.7% of those diagnosed have sought a specialized consultation with an angiosurgeon. The Ministry emphasizes that this follow-up rate is insufficient and warns of the severe risks associated with bypassing necessary medical supervision.

The Ministry of Healthcare further highlighted a stark gender gap in life expectancy in Kazakhstan, with women outliving men by more than eight years. This disparity is largely attributed to behavioral risk factors more prevalent among men, including:

• High rates of tobacco consumption;

• Sedentary lifestyles and low physical activity;

• General negligence toward personal health and preventive care.

Stroke accounts for 32% of all deaths related to cardiovascular diseases in Kazakhstan. However, there is a positive trend: during the first two months of 2026, the mortality rate from circulatory system diseases decreased by 16.3%. This improvement is credited to the implementation of systematic preventive programs and early diagnostic initiatives.