Strokes cause 6.5 million deaths annually globally, and Romania has one of the highest mortality rates in Europe.
World Stroke Day. Photo: The Truth Archive
World Stroke Day, marked annually on October 29, brings back to public attention the importance of preventing and treating this devastating condition. Strokes (strokes) cause approximately 6.5 million deaths worldwide annually, according to the World Stroke Organization, and are one of the leading causes of disability and mortality. One in four adults over the age of 25 is at risk of having a stroke in their lifetime, a danger that is magnified in low- and middle-income countries, where about 70% of strokes occur.
In Romania, the statistics are alarming: stroke mortality is twice as high as the European average. According to the Ministry of Health, Romania has the highest stroke mortality rate in Europe (21.64%). “In our country, lack of access to specialized emergency treatments and insufficient awareness of the early signs of stroke are among the main causes contributing to the high rate of death and disability. Also, factors such as hypertension, smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity and sedentary lifestyle aggravate this risk,” explains Dr. Mihai Ionescu, neurologist at the Neuroaxis Clinic.
Smoking is among the main risk factors associated with stroke. Studies show that people who smoke up to 20 cigarettes a day have a six times higher risk of having a stroke. “Constant exposure to the toxic substances in cigarette smoke seriously damages the cardiovascular system, stiffening blood vessels and raising blood pressure. This stiffening makes it easier for clots to form and thereby block blood flow to the brain.” explains Dr. Ionescu.
In this context, the international scientific community is making progress in researching the most effective methods of intervention in stroke cases. The Twin2win, Interact and Tension trials, carried out by experts in the field, aim to provide more accurate and faster solutions for stroke treatment in an attempt to reduce the long-term effects and number of deaths caused by the condition.
World Stroke Day brings to the fore the need for clear prevention measures and continuous information to reduce the number of cases and support people affected by this serious but preventable disease.
What is stroke and what are the risk factors
Stroke is a manifestation of interruption of cerebral circulation that occurs through blood vessels called arteries, which carry oxygenated blood to the brain. The blood flow can be interrupted either because of a blockage (ischemic accident) or because of a rupture (hemorrhagic accident), according to stop-avc.ro.
Stroke is influenced by a variety of risk factors, which can increase the likelihood of its occurrence. These factors are classified into three categories: nonmodifiable, associated health factors, and modifiable.
Non-modifiable risk factors include:
- Age – the risk of stroke increases with age;
- Sex – men show a greater predisposition than women;
- Family history of stroke, suggesting a possible genetic component.
Associated conditions that may increase the risk include:
- Transient ischemic attack (a precursor of stroke);
- Diabetes and atrial fibrillation – both affect blood flow and the brain;
- Fibromuscular dysplasia – a condition that can cause narrowing of the arteries.
Modifiable risk factors refer to issues that can be controlled through lifestyle changes and include:
- High blood pressure, the most important risk factor for stroke, which can severely damage the walls of blood vessels;
- Hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol), which can damage the arteries, increasing the risk of vascular accidents;
- Smoking, responsible for stiffening the vessels and increasing blood pressure;
- Obesity and sedentary lifestyle, which contribute to other risk conditions, such as diabetes and hypertension;
- Poor diet and excessive alcohol consumption, which increase the likelihood of stroke by impacting vascular and cardiac health.
To reduce the risk of stroke, experts recommend adopting a balanced lifestyle that includes a healthy diet, regular exercise, and limiting alcohol and tobacco consumption.
