In Cyprus, stroke is the second leading cause of death, with 600 to XNUMX cases a year, according to the Cyprus Stroke Association, on the occasion of today's World Vascular Stroke Day.
In their announcement, the President and member of the Cyprus Stroke Association, Marina Charalambous and Dr. Andreas Kostis, report that the World Stroke Organization has established October 29 as World Vascular Stroke Day (World Stroke Day), as stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide, but also the leading cause of death in Europe. .
In Cyprus, it is added, stroke is also the second leading cause of death, with a direct cost of up to 8,3 million euros per year and an estimated incidence of 600 to 1000 cases per year, of which 30% involve people under 65 years old.
It is noted that since 1995 there is a drug treatment available, which can prevent the expansion of ischemic stroke, through intravenous thrombolysis with alteplase, while for several years it is also possible to remove the clot that causes blockage of cerebral vessels.
"These treatments are offered in Cyprus, both in public and private hospitals, but without degrading the immediate need to create specialized Stroke Units", the announcement adds.
It is also reported that there is great mobilization, both in the field of rehabilitation after a stroke and its prevention, while an important role in this is played by scientific companies, local universities, but also organized groups of patients, such as Cyprus Stroke Association.
It is emphasized that the best treatment is prevention itself and that a good relationship and cooperation with the treating physician is what will reduce the possibility of such an episode, which mainly affects patients with specific risk factors (smoking, heart disease, hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus).
Today's World Stroke Detection, entitled "Every minute counts", aims to raise awareness of the recognition of an SLE, the rapid detection of its possible symptoms and the need for immediate transfer of the patient to medical services.
Finally, the Cyprus Stroke Association states that it supports the global campaign by promoting the pan-Cypriot campaign for the recognition of possible symptoms, with the acronym "APLA", meaning Weakness in the extremities, Fall on one side of the face, difficulty in expression or the understanding of the Word and finally, Immediate response for medical help.