Stroke, whether ischemic or hemorrhagic, poses a significant threat due to its potential for mortality and long-term complications. Early screening for stroke risk holds vital importance in preventing and safeguarding lives.
The Peril of Stroke and The Imminent Risk of Mortality
Dr. Nguyen Van Doanh, a Neurology Specialist at TCI Thu Cuc Healthcare System, emphasizes the criticality of timely intervention for strokes, as the brain cells deprived of oxygen and nutrients during a stroke suffer irreversible damage. Statistics highlight stroke as the third leading cause of global mortality, with a staggering 50% mortality risk for stroke patients. Annually, Vietnam records over 200,000 stroke cases.
Nearly 2 million brain cells die every minute that passes after having a stroke. Accordingly, stroke can cause loss of normal function of body parts.
Globally, every year there are about 14 million new stroke patients and 6 million people die from this disease.
Identifying High-Risk Individuals
Age plays a significant role in stroke susceptibility, particularly in individuals over 65, where degeneration of the brain and nervous system increases the likelihood of stroke. Research indicates a 50% increase in stroke risk for every decade after the age of 55. High blood pressure, often termed a “silent killer,” contributes to nearly 60% of stroke cases.
Other risk factors include various cardiovascular diseases, obesity, diabetes, peripheral artery disease, and a family history of strokes. Lifestyle choices such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and sedentary behavior also elevate the risk, with smoking increasing the risk sixfold.
Taking Control: Early Stroke Risk Screening
Early screening is pivotal in preventing strokes, aiming to identify and manage risk factors effectively. Dr. Doanh emphasizes the need for patients to understand and control underlying risk factors like heart diseases, diabetes, and high cholesterol rather than directly screening for strokes.
Screening involves specialized medical consultations, tests, and imaging to detect abnormalities in heart rate, blood sugar, cholesterol levels, and other stroke indicators. To enhance public awareness and access, TCI Thu Cuc Healthcare System has launched the “Stroke Risk Screening Package” with varying levels to enable individuals to detect risk factors promptly and take timely measures.
Thu Cuc TCI has the “Stroke Risk Screening Package” with varying levels to enable individuals to detect risk factors promptly and take timely measures.
Promoting Lifestyle Changes
Besides medical intervention, lifestyle modifications play a crucial role in stroke prevention. Recommendations include limiting saturated and trans fats, reducing alcohol intake, quitting smoking, doing exercise regularly, and getting adequate rest.
In conclusion, early stroke risk screening serves as a proactive approach to identify potential threats and safeguard health. Thu Cuc TCI’s comprehensive screening packages and discounts aim to encourage individuals to prioritize their well-being and take preventive measures against this life-threatening condition.
