Ten people hospitalized daily due to stroke

Today is the World Stroke Day. In commemorating the day, specialists have called for a lifestyle change and increased awareness for the disease which is the second leading cause of death globally.

Speaking at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (Qech) in Blantyre this afternoon at a function to commemorate the day, clinical lead for the Qech stroke unit Dr Tamara Phiri. said stroke is a big problem in Malawi with at least 10 to 15 patients being admitted to Qech everyday due to the disease.

Phiri said of those admitted, 30 to 40 percent die while another bigger percentage go home with significant disability.

“People need to develop a habit of having their blood pressure and sugar levels checked every time they visit the hospital so as to have them controlled in such a way they don’t progress to stroke,” said Phiri.

Stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and bleeds, or when there’s a blockage in the blood supply to the brain.

Lifestyle risk factors for stroke include being overweight or obesity, physical inactivity, tobacco use, stress and alcohol abuse.

Medical risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and a personal or family history of stroke or heart attack.

Early signs and symptoms are facial drooping, arm weakness and speech difficulties, among others.