GET HEALTHY to reduce stroke risk A staggering one in four adults will have a stroke of some kind in their lifetime, but with improved awareness of this medical condition, many could be prevented. By Prof Andre Mochan
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tatistics from the World Stroke Organization show that strokes are the leading cause of disability worldwide and the second-leading cause of death. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel carrying oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to the brain either suddenly gets blocked or bursts. This results in damage to cells in that part of the brain, which then leads to the symptoms and signs of stroke. Stroke is very similar to what happens to the heart during a heart attack and is therefore aptly referred to as a “brain attack”. What is important to note, and is not widely realised, is that most strokes can be prevented by leading a healthy life, and treating and managing risk factors like high blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes in association with your doctor. PREVENTION BETTER THAN CURE This year’s slogan for World Stroke Day on 29 October was “Join the movement”, encouraging individuals to be more physically active in order to reduce their risk of stroke. When considering the global burden of stroke, the most effective and important health intervention is prevention, or what is called primary prevention, of a first stroke. Firstly, this entails changing from an unhealthy sedentary lifestyle to a healthy one including measured physical activity or exercise, following a balanced diet and Prof Mochan not smoking. Secondly, it entails awareness of and treatment for any major stroke risk factors you may have, most notably hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes and high cholesterol.
By following these measures, both brain and heart attack risks are mitigated, and a healthy vascular system is promoted. Up to 90 per cent of strokes could be prevented by addressing a small number of risk factors, including hypertension, diet, smoking and exercise. Other risk factors to be aware of include age (with individuals older than 55 at higher risk), male gender and a family history of stroke.
The best treatment outcomes for the most common type of stroke are usually obtained if appropriate treatment is provided within four-and-a-half hours from the onset of a stroke.
FAST FACT: In South Africa about 240 people have a stroke every day, almost 70 of which are fatal, according to the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa.
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