The number of stroke victims in China is probably higher than the official figures, a leading expert has told a forum on hypertension and strokes in Beijing.

Prof. Gu Dongfeng, of the Chinese National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, reportedly reckoned the number of Chinese afflicted by strokes had been underestimated.

According to statistics issued by the Ministry of Health in May, China has 2 million new stroke cases each year.

But Health News, a newspaper published by the ministry, Thursday quoted Gu as saying that China had about 200 million people suffering hypertension, the leading cause of strokes.

As the official number of stroke victims was estimated from sample surveys, the reality could be worse, Gu was reported as saying.

Gu said hypertension and strokes were the leading causes of death and disability in China.

According to China Health statistics, the number of stroke deaths each year accounts for more than 20 percent of total deaths.

Around two thirds of stroke survivors suffer varying degrees of disability.

Gu said that while the incidence and death rate of strokes had both declined in developed countries, the death rate in China and many other developing countries was rising.

Gu attributed the decline in the United States to a three-decade nationwide hypertension intervention campaign and greater public awareness of the disease.

Gu blamed the increase in China on lifestyle changes, an ageing population, a growing number of smokers and poor public awareness.

Prof. Wang Wen, of the Chinese National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, suggested health authorities focus on effective blood pressure control measures to prevent strokes.

The forum, running Wednesday and Thursday and co-sponsored by the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) and the U.S. National Institute of Health, is aimed at exchanging information on hypertension research and discussing future cooperation.