Hot weather, many elderly people have strokes

A neurologist at Binh Dinh General Hospital is examining an elderly stroke patient who is undergoing emergency resuscitation here - Photo: LAM THIEN

According to information from general hospitals in these two provinces, the number of hospitalizations due to heat stroke has increased rapidly since the beginning of the first quarter of 2024, especially from the beginning of April 2024 until now.

Number of stroke cases increased

According to Dr. Nguyen Van Trung - head of the neurology department, the number of stroke patients admitted to Binh Dinh General Hospital - from the beginning of January 2024 until now is 1,648 cases, an increase of 131 cases compared to the same period last year.

In addition to patients in the province, Binh Dinh General Hospital also receives many stroke patients from neighboring provinces: Phu Yen, Gia Lai, Quang Ngai and Khanh Hoa. The patients admitted to the hospital all have symptoms of paralysis of limbs, difficulty breathing or difficulty moving. In the neurology - stroke department, many elderly people are being treated.

According to a representative of Binh Dinh General Hospital, the heat has caused a sharp increase in strokes among the elderly compared to the same period last year - Photo: LAM THIEN

Ms. Nguyen Thi Luong (60 years old, in Hoai Nhon town, Binh Dinh) said: "About a week ago, I was sitting when suddenly one side of my body became weak and my mouth became stiff. My child immediately took me to Binh Dinh General Hospital for treatment. Fortunately, my family arrived at the hospital in time for the "golden hour" so I was treated effectively."

Meanwhile, according to Phu Yen General Hospital, from April 1 to now, the hospital has received and treated about 110 stroke patients, most of whom are elderly people with underlying diseases.

Lying in a hospital bed, Mr. Nguyen Van Dung (60 years old, resident of Song Hinh district, Phu Yen province) said that at around 7:00 a.m. on April 9, while working as a construction worker in the hot sun, he suddenly felt dizzy and lightheaded, so he asked to go home. When he arrived, his relatives took him to the hospital.

"When I got home, my mouth was crooked, half of my face was numb, and I couldn't move my limbs. To this day, my limbs still feel heavy and I can't walk anymore," Mr. Dung said with difficulty.

What to do to avoid stroke in hot weather?

According to Dr. Ngo Hoang Le Vinh - in charge of treatment of the neurology - endocrinology department of Phu Yen General Hospital, the main reason leading to the increase in stroke patients is due to the hot weather making people tired and increasing blood pressure.

In addition, too much heat also makes patients lazy to eat and drink, then reduces the amount of fluid in the body, leading to the blood becoming more concentrated, thereby increasing the risk of blood clots causing stroke.

According to Dr. Nguyen Van Trung, stroke is currently becoming younger and increasing in number. Hot weather is a factor that increases the severity of stroke.

Patients with underlying medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, blood pressure, diabetes, respiratory disease, hyperlipidemia, etc., who are already at risk of stroke, will now be at higher risk when the weather is hot or the climate changes suddenly.

Doctors of the neurology - stroke department, Binh Dinh General Hospital are examining a recovered stroke patient - Photo: LAM THIEN

According to Dr. Trung, people need to control their stress, eat healthily (increase fruits and vegetables); get enough sleep; control blood pressure and blood sugar; reduce alcohol; tobacco; have regular health check-ups. Especially, do not smoke to avoid stroke.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/nang-nong-nhieu-nguoi-lon-tuoi-bi-dot-quy-20240422162956203.htm