Photo : Collected
Stroke is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, affecting approximately 12 million people each year. In our lifetime, one in every four of us may suffer a stroke. That is a frightening statistic, but the gratifying concern is that 90% of those strokes may be avoided by addressing a small number of risk factors.
High blood pressure (hypertension), abnormal heartbeat (atrial fibrillation), smoking, diet, and exercise are among the risk factors. This World Stroke Day, the global stroke community is mobilizing to raise awareness and push action on stroke prevention. This year’s World Stroke Day has a unique theme; Together, we are greater than Stroke." It’s an appeal to band together and address the preventable issues that leads to this life-altering medical emergency. Stroke is known as a silent threat since it can strike suddenly and with severe consequences.
A stroke’s brain damage might result in lifelong impairments or even death. Stroke risk factors include high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, smoking, a poor diet, and a sedentary lifestyle. According to the World Health Organization, the risk of stroke is much higher in low-income countries than in the developed world. Stroke is becoming a problem in South Asian countries like India and Pakistan. In these countries, the risk of stroke in middle age is 5 to 10 times higher than in the United Kingdom or the United States. In Pakistan, 271 out of 22,500 people had a stroke and 1.2% of the population or 12,000 people per 100,000 had a stroke. Stroke is a significant health issue in Bangladesh as well.
The prevalence of stroke in Bangladesh was found to be 3 per thousand, with hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, smoking, and ischemic heart disease being the major risk factors. A prospective study in BSMMU, Dhaka, Bangladesh found that 60.91% of stroke subtypes were in urban areas, while 39.09% were in rural areas.The good news is that many of these factors can be prevented, and raising awareness is the first step towards change. Integration of technology and innovation in urban environments is critical for stroke prevention and care.
The modern, busy lifestyle frequently leads to sedentary behaviors and high stress levels, both of which are major risk factors for strokes. Technology tackles these issues by making healthcare more accessible through telemedicine and wearable gadgets. It also provides for the early discovery and management of risks.
The predominance of risk factors linked with urban living, such as unhealthy eating habits and pollution, emphasizes the importance of early intervention. Furthermore, limited time and medical care availability need innovative approaches for efficient, remote monitoring, and personalized care, making technology indispensable in the pursuit of effective stroke prevention and management in urban settings. In terms of prevention, focusing on technology and future innovation for stroke prevention is critical since it has the potential to revolutionize healthcare.
Telemedicine is emerging as a potent technology in the realm of stroke prevention. Its versatility and accessibility make it a powerful tool for detecting, monitoring, and managing key risk factors. For instance, remote blood pressure monitoring enables individuals to track this leading cause of strokes from the comfort of their homes. This data can be efficiently transmitted to healthcare providers, reducing the need for frequent clinic visits and allowing for early intervention when blood pressure shows concerning trends. Wearable devices and smartphone apps offer real-time data, enabling early detection and timely treatment. Additionally, telemedicine can play a vital role in supporting individuals on their journey to quit smoking, providing virtual counseling and support through video calls, text messages, or apps. It not only will monitor risk factors but also empower healthier lifestyles by offering virtual consultations with dietitians and fitness experts.
This personalized guidance will certainly aid in improving diet and physical activity, further reducing the risk of stroke. As we look ahead, the role of technology in stroke prevention
becomes increasingly important. To effectively tackle the preventable factors that cause strokes, it is critical to prioritize technology in important areas. The future is AI (Artificial Intelligence)! To make the best use of artificial intelligence’s limitless potential, the emphasis should be on building AI systems that can reliably forecast an individual's risk of stroke.
These AI systems will analyze a variety of data sources, such as electronic health records, and data from wearable devices. The emphasis should be on making AI models precise and dependable, capable of early intervention, and providing personalized preventative tactics. These predictive algorithms will assist individuals, particularly those at higher risk, in receiving targeted counsel and recommendations that can greatly lower the likelihood of having a stroke.
To address the lengthy and often challenging process of stroke rehabilitation, it is high time for the focus to be on developing patient-centered VITUAL REALITY-based rehabilitation
programs. These programs should aim to engage and motivate patients during their recovery journey. Mobile stroke units, equipped with advanced imaging and telemedicine capabilities, should be deployed more widely. The focus should be on optimizing the deployment of these units to reach patients at the scene of emergencies promptly. Paramedics and healthcare professionals onboard should be well-trained in using portable diagnostic tools to perform on-the-spot assessments. These mobile units should be strategically positioned in regions with high stroke incidence, ultimately saving critical minutes and preserving precious brain tissue.
The concentration should be on creating immersive, enjoyable exercises that holistically target physical and cognitive abilities. Future VIRTUAL REALITY rehabilitation should transform the recovery process into an enjoyable and effective experience, offering patients the opportunity to regain motor skills, memory, and confidence.
The Together We Are Greater Than Stroke theme underscores the importance of unity and collaboration. As we look to the future, the message is clear: we must come together to implement these innovative telemedicine solutions, raise awareness, and drive action on stroke prevention. The future of stroke prevention is intertwined with the evolution of telemedicine and technology. As we embrace these innovations, we can collectively work toward a world where the devastating impact of stroke is significantly reduced. The statistics show that the vast majority of strokes are preventable, and with the tools and knowledge at our disposal, we can be greater than stroke. It's a future worth striving for, one where the silent threat becomes a rarity rather than a reality.
Fatima Tuz Zahra (Research Assistant), Eminence Associates for Social Development
Messenger/Disha
