Stroke is a leading cause of death worldwide.
Cerebrovascular accident (CVA), popularly known as stroke or ischemia, is a leading cause of death, disability, and hospitalization worldwide. It is a disease that occurs due to the death of brain cells due to the interruption of blood flow within the vessel (ischemic stroke) or the rupture of this vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is the sudden decrease or interruption of blood flow to the heart, most often caused by the accumulation of fatty plaques within the coronary arteries or the formation of clots.
Both diseases affect hundreds of thousands of Brazilians and are, for the most part, caused by people with a family history of diabetes, people with high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, heart disease, obesity, smokers, alcoholics and sedentary people. Based on research developed by the Brazilian Society of Angiology and Vascular Surgery, with data from the Transparency Portal of the Civil Registry Office, it is possible to verify that the number of deaths from stroke has exceeded the number of deaths from AMI, in the period from 2019 to June 2024.
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The study revealed a significant annual increase, with special emphasis on the year 2020, when the records of deaths from stroke reached 105,894, while those due to heart attack reached 97,779, presenting a higher percentage than other periods. In 2024, an alarming data was observed: the difference between deaths from heart attack and stroke, with the data collected until June, reached 8.78%, making heart attack the lowest cause of death compared to stroke. According to the president of the Society, Dr. Armando Lobato, the data reflect a worrying reality. “With this assessment we have been able to define that one of the main factors of the increase in deaths from stroke is due to the high number of diseases not controlled in advance, the difficulty of accessing health services and the lack of government public policies to prevent stroke disease,” says the vascular surgeon.
“Preventing stroke is easier than it seems, the main steps are taking care of blood pressure, maintaining a healthy diet, controlling diabetes, getting regular exercise, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, treating heart disease, controlling cholesterol, maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding stress can also help in early diagnosis and treatment, saving lives and reducing the consequences,” adds Lobato.
A study conducted by the World Stroke Organization, in October 2023, makes a projection that supports the SBACV research. The research predicts that the number of stroke deaths worldwide could increase by 50% and reach almost 10 million people by 2050. “It is essential to invest in effective public policies and in education and awareness campaigns on the risk factors for our health, and the risks of stroke,” highlights Dr. Armando.
The Brazilian Society of Angiology and Vascular Surgery is committed to promoting vascular health and reducing the incidence of stroke in Brazil, continuing to support and develop research that contributes to improving public health in the country.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
