Globally, 15 million stroke cases occur annually, with two-thirds in developing countries, and incidence and prevalence are rising. In Africa, the annual incidence is about 316 per 100,000, with a prevalence of 1,460 per 100,000, and stroke is a leading cause of death, with hypertension being the most significant risk factor. In Nigeria, stroke is the second leading cause of death from noncommunicable diseases, with a reported incidence of approximately 26 per 100,000 person-years and a prevalence of 1,460 per 100,000 in some regions.
These are alarming statistics don’t you think?
Strokes do not just happen, they are provoked by risk factors which are largely avoidable and one would think that with the awareness created multiple times annually, the incidence will decline however the reverse is the case.
Stroke or cerebrovascular accident (CVA) is a medical emergency. It describes a sudden loss of neurologic function persisting for more than 24 hours that is caused by an interruption of the blood supply to the brain.
It could be ischemic(85% of cases) as in when a clot blocks a cerebral artery or haemorrhagic(15% of cases) as in when a blood vessel ruptures in the brain.
Risk factors predisposing to strokes include:
*increasing age
*hypertension
*diabetes mellitus
*smoking
*heart disease
*physical inactivity
A stroke usually occurs suddenly with symptoms such as:
*Sudden loss of consciousness
*weakness usually on one side of the body
*speech difficulties like slurred speech
*facial drooping or asymmetry due to weakness on one side of the face, also leading to drooling of saliva and inability to swallow.
Prevention
- Blood pressure control:
Be compliant to prescribed medications.
- Manage cholesterol:
Lowering high cholesterol levels helps prevent plaque buildup in arteries.
- Eat a healthy diet:
Fruits and vegetables daily, whole grains, nuts, and beans, fish, limit salt intake.
- Exercise regularly:
Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on most days of the week, or 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week.
- Quit smoking: Smoking thickens blood and increases the risk of clots.
- Reduce alcohol intake:
Drink alcohol in moderation, as excessive intake can increase blood pressure.
- Maintain a healthy weight:
Keeping a healthy weight reduces your overall risk.
- Prioritize sleep:
Ensure 7-8 hours of sleep per night and address issues like sleep apnea.
- Control existing Medical conditions:
Manage chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease and take your prescribed medications as directed.
- Attend regular check-ups:
Regular medical check-ups are vital for monitoring your health and adjusting treatment as needed.
In conclusion, stroke(cerebrovascular accident) is a preventable medical condition which when allowed to occur can have dire consequences and complications reducing the quality of life of those affected including their relatives. Let’s fight it.
0 Comments