[Edaily’s reporter Lee Soon-yong] October 29th is World Stroke Day, established by the World Stroke Organization to warn about the dangers and high incidence of strokes and to improve awareness about prevention and treatment. Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in South Korea and is known as a disease that can affect anyone as they age. However, in recent years, due to various environmental changes, there has been an increase in the incidence among younger individuals, necessitating caution for all adults.
Globally, it is reported that one person dies from a stroke every 10 seconds. According to the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service in Korea, the number of stroke patients last year was 653,409, with patients under 55 years old accounting for 80,827, or more than 12%. Relatively young individuals in their 30s and 40s may lack caution against strokes, but if a family member had a stroke before the age of 60, it is crucial to be vigilant as it may also occur at a younger age.
Director of Neurology at Incheon Himchan Hospital, Dr. Park Jung-hoon, states, “The primary causes of stroke include atherosclerosis in the cerebral blood vessels, with hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia being the three major risk factors.” He explains that people who consistently manage their blood pressure with medication experience fewer hemorrhagic strokes, but as dietary habits become Westernized, more people suffer from stroke due to increased cases of diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and obesity leading to blocked vessels.
An increase in chronic conditions among young people and excessive exercise are also contributing factors. Stroke is chiefly divided into cerebral infarction, caused by blocked blood vessels, and cerebral hemorrhage, caused by ruptured vessels. Although symptoms may be similar, cerebral infarction results from atherosclerosis or embolism, where a blood clot blocks a narrowed vessel. Cerebral hemorrhage occurs when weakened vessels burst, causing bleeding. When cerebral vessels become blocked or rupture, the blood supply is interrupted, damaging about 2 million brain cells per minute, resulting in significant aftereffects.
Younger people often consume spicy, salty, and sugary foods, which can lead to chronic diseases at an early age and increase the risk of stroke. Smoking and heavy drinking adversely affect vascular health, being significant causes of stroke. Notably, 45% of young male stroke patients are attributed to smoking, which, apart from being a direct issue, acts as a risk factor for hypertension, heart disease, and other chronic conditions, thereby increasing stroke risk.
Moreover, engaging excessively in sports and leisure activities can heighten stroke risk due to cerebral artery dissection, causing cerebral infarction. This dissection involves tearing of the blood vessel walls like the carotid or vertebral arteries and accounts for 10-25% of strokes among young patients. Activities that involve sudden movements of the neck and head, such as golf, swimming, yoga, excessive stretching, aggressive neck massages, and accidents like falls or traffic incidents, can trigger it.
In case of warning signs, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately since prolonged response time increases the risk of death or severe aftereffects. Stroke symptoms typically appear suddenly, with warning signs lasting from a few minutes to up to 24 hours. Key symptoms include paralysis in one part of the body or face, difficulty understanding or speaking, visual disturbances like a curtain coming down over one eye, and balance issues. Although these symptoms may temporarily improve, repetitive occurrences could indicate a complete blockage of cerebral vessels, necessitating immediate hospital treatment.
Although younger individuals often recover from strokes more rapidly with better outcomes than older people, they also frequently experience aftereffects and recurrences. It is important to undergo examinations if frequent headaches occur. Even without specific symptoms, regular check-ups are advisable for those over 40, and biennial checks are recommended for those with family history.
Improving dietary habits is crucial for stroke prevention. Reducing the intake of foods high in sodium, as well as spicy and sugary foods, is important for vascular health. Instead, it is beneficial to consume abundant vegetables and fruits rich in dietary fiber. Maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise and refraining from smoking is essential.
Dr. Park emphasizes, “Stroke treatment is a battle against time, making it critical not to miss the golden time.” He notes that stroke risk is heightened during spring and autumn due to significant temperature changes causing rapid fluctuation in blood vessel dilation and contraction, which affects stroke occurrence, stressing the need for ongoing caution with this condition.