Stroke: Understanding the Risks, Symptoms, and Golden Hour for Treatment

Stroke is the leading cause of death and disability in Indonesia. According to data from the WHO in 2020, more than 357,000 deaths per year – around 21% of total national deaths, or approximately 1 in 5 – were caused by stroke.

The stroke mortality rate in Indonesia reached 178.3 per 100,000 population (age-adjusted), placing Indonesia 11th globally. This data highlights the notable burden of stroke in Indonesia and the challenges it poses to the national health system.

Sadly,many people disregard early stroke symptoms like sudden dizziness,asymmetrical mouth when smiling,blurred vision,or weakness in the limbs,attributing them to mere fatigue. however, every minute without medical intervention can result in the permanent loss of millions of brain cells.

Also read: Stroke Emergency Response Services are Significant for Patients to Recover Without Disabilities

“Every minute is crucial for stroke patients. The golden period of under 4.5 hours from the onset of the first symptoms is critical for determining recovery success. If a patient reaches the hospital within this timeframe,their chances of recovering without disability substantially increase. stroke is the number one cause of disability, not only in Indonesia but worldwide,” explained Dr. Riski Amanda, Sp.N, FINA, a Neurointerventional Neurology Specialist at Primaya hospital PGI Cikini.

Causes of Stroke and Symptoms

Stroke can result from various risk factors, both modifiable and non-modifiable.

non-modifiable factors include:

* Age, as stroke risk increases with age;
* Gender, with men having a higher stroke risk than women, although women tend to experience stroke later in life with a poorer prognosis;
* Family history, increasing stroke risk if a family member has experienced it.

Modifiable risk factors include:

* High blood pressure (hypertension);
* High cholesterol levels;
* Smoking;
* Diabetes;
* Heart disease (especially atrial fibrillation);
* Obesity;
* Lack of physical activity;
* Unhealthy diet.

Also read: Prevalence of stroke in Indonesia and Referral Hospitals for Stroke Sufferers