Trends and projections of smoking-attributable ischemic stroke mortality in China, 1990–2035: a global burden of disease study

Smoking remains a substantial contributor to ischemic stroke mortality in China, with persistent gender disparities. Although short-term declines are expected to continue, demographic aging and historical smoking patterns may slow future progress. Strengthened, targeted tobacco control strategies particularly for middle-aged and older men are essential to prevent a resurgence in smoking-attributable stroke mortality.