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SINGAPORE – Stroke is the fourth most common cause of death in Singapore.
As the world celebrates World Stroke Day this month on October 29, here are some facts about this deadly and silent killer and what can be done to prevent it.
What is a stroke?
– It occurs when there is an interruption of the blood supply to a part of the brain, resulting in damage to that area.
– Two main types:
1) Ischemic stroke: Occurs when a clot obstructs blood flow to the brain. It is more common and contributes to about 80 percent of stroke cases.
2) Hemorrhagic stroke: It occurs when there is bleeding in the brain, often due to the rupture / burst of a blood vessel. It is less common and makes up the remaining 20 percent of stroke cases.
How common is stroke?
– Globally, stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability, with 116 million years of healthy life lost each year due to the disease. One in four adults over the age of 25 will suffer a stroke in their lifetime.
– In Singapore, stroke is the fourth most common cause of death. The most recent data showed that there were about 8,300 stroke cases admitted to public hospitals in 2018, a 5 percent increase over 2017.
– The number of stroke cases is expected to increase in Singapore as the population ages. It is estimated that the number of Singaporeans aged 65 and over will almost double by 2030, representing a quarter of the population.
How can I prevent a stroke?
– An unhealthy lifestyle results in a 66% higher risk of stroke; 80 percent of cases can be prevented through lifestyle modifications.
– In Singapore, the five most common risk factors are: hypertension (high blood pressure), high blood cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, and atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat).
– Other modifiable risk factors are obesity, low physical activity, depression and high alcohol intake.
– Risk factors that cannot be modified include:
1) Age: the risk doubles every 10 years after 55 years.
2) Gender: men are at higher risk. The risk in women increases after menopause.
3) Family history.
4) Previous history of stroke.
What can I do to minimize the risk?
1) Have a healthy lifestyle:
– Stop smoking and limit your alcohol consumption: no more than two standard drinks for men and one standard drink for women a day.
– Eat a healthy diet, low in fat and rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
– Exercise regularly. Try to get at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week.
– Maintain a healthy weight, with a body mass index of 18.5 to 22.9.
2) Have good control of medical conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
3) Get regular health exams.
What are the warning signs of a stroke?
– Call 995 if you notice these signs of a stroke, known by the acronym FAST.
1) F: Face weakness
Does one side of the face tilt? Ask the person to smile. Is the person’s smile uneven or crooked?
2) A: arm weakness
Ask the person to raise both arms. Can you raise both arms and keep them up?
3) S: difficulty speaking
Does the person’s speech sound confusing or unclear?
4) T: Time to act fast
If you notice or experience any of these signs, go to the hospital immediately.
How can stroke be controlled?
– Treatment depends on the cause of the stroke.
– For ischemic stroke, the clot can be dissolved by giving a drug intravenously or it can be removed mechanically, also known as endovascular treatment.
– Hemorrhagic stroke is usually treated with surgery or endovascular therapy.
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