HK Health Department Names 10 Signs of Stroke as Over 3,100 People Died Due to Stroke in 2021

The Department of Health remind citizens to exercise more to prevent stroke. （Shutterstock）

Oct. 29 is the annual World Stroke Day, established by the World Stroke Organization.

The Hong Kong Department of Health announced on Oct. 29, that stroke is the fourth most common cause of death in Hong Kong. In 2021, there were a total of 3,126 registered deaths.

The Department of Health reminds citizens that everyone should pay attention to the seven common signs of stroke. If patients observe any symptoms, they should seek medical treatment immediately.

What Is a Stroke

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted. Lack of oxygen and nutrient supply causes damage to the brain tissue.

The bleeding caused by a ruptured cerebral artery can also trigger a stroke. Other causes include blood vessel bursts or being blocked by a clot.

When it happens, patients may suddenly feel numb or paralyzed on the face, hands, or legs (especially one side of the body). Other symptoms include a mouth being crooked or drooling, sudden slurry speech, and difficulty swallowing. Blurred vision in one or both eyes is also a common sign. The worst scenario is falling into a coma and death.

What Are the Risk Factors That Cause Stroke?

The Department of Health cited, “ten changeable risk factors cause 90.7 percent of stroke cases globally. Those include smoking, alcohol consumption, unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, central obesity, high blood pressure, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, heart issues, and social and psychological factors.”

The Department of Health stated that physical activity could directly or indirectly improve vascular function and reduce the risk of suffering from a stroke.

Key to Prevention

Epidemiological research shows that as long as there is enough physical activity, whether power walking, cycling, or leisure activities, you are taking preventive measures against strokes.

For health purposes, adults should perform at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate cardio activities weekly or any physical activity with the same duration and intensity.

According to the online journal Non-communicable Diseases by The Centre of Health Protection, moderate-intensity cardio activities include power walking, spinning classes, social dance, water fitness, and house cleaning.

Why Exercise?

Physical activity or exercise helps prevent diseases that might cause strokes, such as obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and dyslipidemia.

In addition, physical activity prompts chemical releases in the brain, such as endorphins and serotonin, which reduce anxiety and depression.

The Do’s and Don’ts

For alcoholics and smokers, studies suggest that cardio exercise can reduce their cravings for tobacco and alcohol.

Compared with inactive people, stroke incidence or mortality rate is 20 percent lower for those with regular moderate and high-intensity exercise. The occurrence and mortality rates are 20 and 27 percent less, respectively.

To lower the risk of stroke, The Department of Health recommends maintaining a balanced diet and avoiding alcohol and smoking.

Another key to reducing the risk of a stroke is maintaining a healthy weight and regularly checking the three highs. The three high are hypertension, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia.

Early detection of warning signs for stroke patients allows prompt treatment and its efficacy.

What Are The Early Warning Signs for Stroke?

To summarize, watch out for the following early symptoms of stroke:

1. Feeling paralysis, numbness, or weakness in the face and limbs
2. Mouth drooping and drooling
3. Difficulty in comprehension and slurring of speech
4. Sudden severe headache
5. Blurred vision in one or both eyes
6. Sudden difficulty in swallowing
7. Dizziness
8. Loss of balance
9. Inability to coordinate limbs
10. Nausea and vomiting