Over 11 million strokes occur every year in South-East Asia

On the eve of World Stroke Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) today said that over 11 million strokes occur every year in South-East Asia Region which includes India, and underlined the need for governments to have a well-prepared health system in place to save lives and prevent lifelong disabilities.

"In low-and middle-income countries, which include those of the WHO South-East Asia Region, over 11 million strokes occur every year. "This causes four million deaths annually, and leaves approximately 30 per cent of survivors seriously disabled. For the 70 per cent of survivors who recover, the likelihood of suffering further strokes is greatly increased," said Poonam Khetrapal Singh, WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia.

WHO's South-East Asia Region comprises Bangladesh, Bhutan, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Timor-Leste.

A 'brain stroke' or a 'brain attack' is condition when the brain is deprived of blood and the oxygen it carries, or when bleeding inundates surrounding tissue and causes the brain to swell leading to its effective operation becoming compromised. Both incidents can cause lasting vision problems, seizures, fatigue, loss of speech, memory loss, and paralysis among other adverse effects, WHO said.

"On World Stroke Day, we need to spread awareness on stroke prevention, understand the symptoms and when to seek immediate care, and have a well-prepared health system to save lives and prevent lifelong disability," Singh said.

People with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes or a high blood-sugar level are vulnerable to brain stroke and so are people who are obese, smoke or consume alcohol in large volumes and are physically inactive.

"Our health systems must be in a position to act decisively," Singh said. A diet high in vegetables and fruit and low in salt should be consumed and doing so will decrease fatty deposits in the arteries that can cause blockages, as well as diminish the prospect of burst vessels that high blood pressure brings.

WHO said that blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels should be checked regularly, with associated conditions managed in consultation with a health care provider. "These simple but effective habits can help prevent brain stroke and other noncommunicable diseases such as heart disease and diabetes," Singh said.