Focus on prevention – is the tagline for World Stroke Prevention Day
On October 29 we mark World Stroke Day (CVA). “Focus on prevention” – is this year’s theme and aims to raise awareness that stroke prevention is possible by controlling risk factors and promoting a healthy lifestyle. In this context, at the national and local level, activities will be organized to promote and inform about the seriousness of this pathology, ways in which we can reduce the risk of stroke through a better literacy of the population regarding risk factors and signs of stroke.
Stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted: either because of a blood thrombus/clot (ischemic stroke) or because of damage to a blood vessel leading to bleeding (hemorrhagic stroke). The impact of stroke can be short-term or long-term depending on which part of the brain was affected, or during which period of time the medical intervention took place.
Stroke is the leading cause of disability globally and the second leading cause of death. The risk of developing a stroke in your lifetime has increased by 50% in the last 17 years and it is estimated that 1 in 4 people could have a stroke in their lifetime. Currently, more than 110 million people worldwide have suffered a stroke. The incidence increases significantly with age. More than 60% of strokes happen to people under 70 and 16% to people under 50.
Most of the global burden of stroke is in low- and middle-income countries, creating serious challenges for families with few resources. The global economic impact of stroke currently represents 0.66% of global GDP, and the total cost of stroke is estimated at $1 trillion by 2030.
In the Republic of Moldova, annually, over 10 thousand people suffer a stroke, of which 13% are of working age. About 35% of those affected die during the acute period of the disease. Mortality from stroke is three to four times higher in our country than in the countries of the European Union, and the incidence is 2.5-3.0 cases per 1000 inhabitants per year.
How do we reduce the risk of stroke!?
Monitoring blood pressure regularly and consulting the specialist doctor to receive the necessary treatment. Important! More than half of stroke cases are associated with untreated or inadequately treated high blood pressure. Just 30 minutes of physical activity five times a week can reduce your risk of stroke by 25%. (Over 1 million strokes per year are associated with physical inactivity). Stroke is linked to high LDL cholesterol. Reducing saturated fats from the menu and excluding trans fats can significantly reduce the risk of stroke. Extra pounds (overweight) increase stroke risk by 22%, and obesity by 64%. Maintaining a normal body weight is an important step in reducing stroke risk. Smoking increases stroke risk sixfold. Quitting smoking will greatly reduce the risk of this condition. Excessive alcohol consumption, either regularly or less frequently but excessively, increases the risk of stroke. Globally, excessive alcohol consumption is associated with more than 1 million strokes each year. To prevent its occurrence, give up alcohol. 1 in 5 people who suffer a stroke also suffer from diabetes. If you suffer from this pathology, consult your doctor to establish effective treatment and approach a healthy lifestyle. Depression and stress increase the risk of stroke almost twice. 1 in 6 strokes are closely linked to mental health. Take care of this aspect of life.
Knowing the signs of stroke and seeking emergency medical help promptly can save lives and improve treatment outcomes for survivors. Stroke symptoms are as follows:
numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on the affected side of the body; speech disorder; confusion; vision problems in one or both eyes (medical field reduction); difficulty walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination; severe headache with no known cause.
About 80% of strokes could be prevented by addressing the risk factors: high blood pressure, unhealthy diet, tobacco and alcohol consumption, physical inactivity. The importance of being aware of the way of prevention is essential and each of us can pay special attention to blood pressure monitoring, maintaining an optimal weight, healthy eating, practicing physical exercises, giving up smoking, alcohol, screening or periodic check-ups with a specialist in case of pre-existing conditions.
We mention that,in the Republic of Moldova, 13 centers will be established for patients who have suffered a stroke (11 primary, one multidisciplinary and one comprehensive), where stroke patients will have access to a wide range of diagnostic, treatment and rehabilitation services. The centers will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week and will ensure the geographic accessibility of stroke patients to diagnostic and treatment services. More precisely, the primary centers will be located: at the Balti Clinical Hospital, the “Sfânta Treime” Municipal Clinical Hospital, the district hospitals of Edineț, Soroca “Anatolie Prisacari”, Florești, Orhei, Ungheni, Hîncești, Căușeni “Ana și Alexandru”, Cahul and Comrat . The multidisciplinary stroke center will be located within the “Diomid Gherman” Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery, and the comprehensive one – at the Institute of Emergency Medicine.
2023-10-27 11:46:32
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