Strokes now main killer of Thai women

Healthy lifestyle best form of protection

BANGKOK: -- Strokes are now the number one cause of death of women in the country, according to the Stroke Association of Thailand. It is the number three killer of Thai men, association chairman Samart Nitinant said.

Each year, around 150,000 people in Thailand die after a stroke, 10-20% of them suddenly.

The rest succumb to complications such as brain infection a few months after having a stroke.

The chairman released the information yesterday at a commemorative event organised by the association in conjunction with the private sector, ahead of Stroke Awareness Day which is observed globally on May 24.

Dr Samart said strokes can lead to paralysis and, in more severe cases, heart attacks. Strokes stem from a variety of risk factors such as high blood pressure and cholesterol, smoking or diabetes, or an unstable hormone level typical in women going through menopause.

He said strokes most commonly occur in people aged 45 and over, although the young are also at risk if they suffer from hypertension or obesity and do not exercise.

Dr Samart said to help prevent a stroke, people should quit smoking, avoid alcohol and fatty food and exercise regularly. If over 50 years of age, they should have their blood pressure checked frequently.

Early signs of stroke include numbness or weakness on one side of the body, brief visual impairment, confusion or an inability to speak clearly, dizziness or a sudden sharp headache.

Dr Samart said people who suffer from a stroke must see a doctor within three hours of the onset of symptoms. They will be given clot-busting drugs which work best within the three-hour timeframe.

Dr Pravit Tanprasert, chairman of the project to educate the public about strokes, said few people bothered to teach themselves about the dangers. A stroke could leave them permanently disabled or even kill them if not promptly treated.

There had been a ''frightening jump'' in the number of stroke-related deaths, he said. A healthy lifestyle is the key to preventing a stroke

--Bangkok Post 2006-05-22

That surprises me. I can't understand how you would get a brain infection though? Maybe it should read infarction?