Every Minute So Valuable: Stroke Is The Highest Cause Of Death In Indonesia

JAKARTA stroke is the highest cause of death and disability in Indonesia. According to data from WHO in 2020, more than 357 thousand deaths per year or about 21% of the total national deaths. Or about 1 in 5 national deaths caused by stroke. The death rate from stroke in Indonesia reached 178.3 per 100,000 population (adjusted to age), placing Indonesia ranked 11th highest in the world. This data shows that the burden of stroke disease in Indonesia is still very high and is a big challenge for the national health system[1].

Unfortunately, many people still ignore the early symptoms of stroke such as sudden dizziness, non-symmetric mouth when smiling, blurred vision or arms feel weak and think of it as ordinary fatigue. In fact, every minute that disappears without medical treatment can mean the permanent loss of millions of brain cells.

Every minute is very valuable for stroke patients. Golden period under 4.5 hours since the first symptoms emerged is a crucial period that determines the success of recovery. If the patient arrives at the hospital within this time, the chance to recover without defects has increased significantly. Stroke itself is the cause of the number one defect, not only in Indonesia but also in the world, "explained dr. Risky Amanda, Sp.N, FINA, Neurointervention Neurology Specialist at Primaya Hospital PGI Cikini.

Causes Of Stroke And Symptoms

Strokes can occur due to various risk factors that can be changed or irreversible. Unreversible factors include age, where the risk of stroke increases with age; gender, because men have a higher risk of stroke than women, although women tend to have a stroke at an older age with a worse prognosis; and a family history, where the risk of stroke increases if there are family members who have experienced it.

Meanwhile, risk factors that can be changed include high blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol levels, smoking habits, diabetes, heart disease (especially atrium fibrillation), obesity, lack of physical activity, unhealthy diet, and alcohol abuse. By recognizing and controlling these factors, the risk of stroke can be significantly minimized.

FAST: Easy Ways To Recognize Stroke Signs

Early symptoms of stroke can include numbness or sudden weakness in the face, arms, or legs; difficulty speaking or understanding speech; visual impairment; loss of balance or difficulty walking; as well as severe headaches that appear suddenly for no apparent reason.

To make it easier to recognize symptoms, use the term FAST, namely:

· F (Face): Face draping one side of the face suddenly drops/floated or numb.

· A (Arms): Arm weakness is difficult to lift one arm.

· S (Speech): Speech difficulty "Talks unclear or difficult to understand.

· T (Time): Time to call emergency services if there are signs above, immediately call the hospital.

However, symptoms do not always appear at the same time. Sometimes only one such as sudden dizziness, blurred vision, or mild weakness on one side of the body. The main key is not to wait for symptoms to worsen. I want to go to the hospital emergency room immediately with a stroke center facility, "said dr. Riski.

Why Speed Becomes Determinal For A Stroke

Stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain stops due to blockage (ischemic stroke) or rupture of a blood vessel (hemoragic stroke). Without oxygen, brain cells start to die in a matter of minutes.

If an ischemic stroke is detected early, doctors can give a thrombolic drug to dissolve blood clots or perform a mechanical trombektomi to lift the blockage. Both are only effective if done in golden period.

After The Attack: Rehabilitation Is No Less Important

For patients who have successfully passed the acute phase, the struggle has not been completed. The recovery process is often long and requires high discipline. Rehabilitation involves physiotherapy, ocuption therapy, and speech therapy. The goal is not only to restore the body's function, but also to restore the patient's independence and self-confidence.

Many patients are depressed after a stroke because they feel useless. In fact, with sustainable therapy and family support, they can return to productivity, "continued dr. Riski.

Opponents Before Coming: Early Detection And Healthy Lifestyle

The risk factors for stroke can actually be controlled. Hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, and smoking are the main causes that can be prevented by lifestyle changes.

Routine health checks, especially for those over 40 years of age, are an important step towards detecting risks from an early age. 'Stroke is not fate, but a result of habits that can be changed. Just by controlling blood pressure, eating healthy, and actively moving, the risk of stroke can drop drastically." concluded dr. Riski.

Stroke is the silent killer who comes suddenly, but can be prevented if recognized early. Every second means, every action determines the future. Therefore, if you or your people around you show signs of FAST 'don't wait to be paralyzed, immediately go to the hospital.