15 million strokes annually worldwide

Worldwide, 15 million people suffer a stroke each year and 5 million people die as a result. Today, October 29, is the World Bash Day.

(29.10.2010) Worldwide, 15 million people suffer a stroke each year, with more than five million dying as a result. Every six seconds, a person dies because of a stroke. So the World Stroke Organization (WSO) uses today's „Weltschlaganfalltag“, to inform about the spread, the causes and the consequences of strokes.

Every year over 60,000 deaths in Germany
With 15 million deaths annually, strokes are responsible for more deaths than AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria combined, the WSO said. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), stroke is the second most common cause of death in people over the age of 60 and the fifth most common in people between the ages of 15 and 59. In Germany, more than 200,000 people suffer such a stroke each year. Strokes are the major cause of disability and long-term disability, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or country of origin, the WSO said. The number of deaths amounts to over 60,000 per year. This makes strokes the third leading cause of death in Germany.

campaign „One in six“ calls for immediate action
Therefore, the WSO uses today's „Weltschlaganfalltag“, to encourage citizens to learn about the risk factors and symptoms. With the campaign launched today „One in six“ The WSO calls for swift action in the global fight against stroke. The motto of the campaign also reflects the frequency of the disease, as one in six people in the world suffer a stroke during their lifetime. Due to the urgent need for action, WSO members from 92 countries are calling for a joint campaign: „Do not take any risks! One in six people is at risk of having a stroke - it could hit you! Learn to recognize the signs! Save a life today! Respond now!“

The WSO is planning a number of initiatives to specifically combat the increase in strokes. In particular, the experts are focusing on countries with limited resources and an overburdened public health system, as two thirds of all stroke victims worldwide live here. „We have to act now or it will be too late soon”, emphasized Professor Bo Norrving, WSO President, and Markku Kaste, chair of the World Stroke Day Campaign, the urgency of their cause.

WSO is dedicated to the fight against strokes
The World Stroke Organization (WSO) was founded in October 2006 with the aim of providing all those affected access to stroke treatment and to promoting research and knowledge transfer. The WSO is dedicated to the prevention and treatment of stroke and vascular dementia, supports the best practices and the development of new therapies, works with other international, public and private organizations to train and educate medical staff and promote clinical research.

The on today „Weltschlaganfalltag“ started campaign „One in six“ appeals to those affected to do more for the risk of stroke themselves. On the one hand, people should minimize the risk by appropriate lifestyles and on the other hand, they should pay more attention to the symptoms in order to initiate appropriate treatment at an early stage, according to the WSO.

Symptoms in a stroke
The most common symptoms of stroke include dizziness, visual or speech problems, and paralysis. However, headaches, confusion and numbness may also be harbingers of a stroke. The sudden onset of brain disease can lead to critical disorders of the blood supply to the brain, resulting in a prolonged loss of central nervous system function. Therefore, when symptoms occur, consult a doctor immediately to initiate appropriate treatment. Because often clots are the cause of the onset of the brain stroke. However, these can be resolved by intravenous or intra-arterial administration of special drugs (thrombolysis, within 3-4 hours) to protect the brain from permanent damage.

Stroke prevention
To prevent a stroke, the WSO has recommended six basic rules that need to be considered. So everyone should have their personal risk factors in mind such as high blood pressure, diabetes or elevated blood cholesterol levels. In addition, the WSO recommends staying physically active and exercising regularly. Overweight should also be avoided with the help of a balanced diet. In addition, the WSO advises against the renunciation of alcohol and tobacco or to reduce the consumption of alcohol and smoking.

Ultimately, however, the WSO believes that it is also crucial that those affected and the environment correctly interpret the warning signs of the body and react accordingly. Therefore, according to the WSO, everyone should familiarize themselves with the warning signs of a stroke and inform themselves about the correct immediate measures. „Think of six people you care about. One of you will have a stroke. But that can be prevented!“, stressed WSO President, Professor Bo Norrving. And one of the prominent slapper, Alberto Contador, three-time Tour de France winner, added: „A stroke can occur at any time and at any age“, but „People who have had a stroke can regain their quality of life with long-term care and support. I am an example of that.“ (Fp)

Also read:
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Prevent strokes and go for a walk
Stroke: 250,000 people die each year

Picture: Tilli