Stroke

Risk Factors

The major risk factors for stroke include:

1. High blood pressure

2. Diabetes

3. Heart & blood vessel diseases - conditions causing blood clots or other blockages

4. High LDL cholesterol levels

5. Smoking

6. Age - Increased risk for babies under 1 and adults with age.

7. Gender - Men are more likely to suffer a stroke while women have increased risk during pregnancy.

8. Genetics - If you have family history of stroke, you will be in the high-risk category. People with AB blood type are also at greater risk.

B.E.F.A.S.T

Use the B.E.F.A.S.T formula to check for common stroke symptoms:

• Balance - Sudden loss of balance or coordination difficulty

• Eyesight - Vision is impaired or changed

• Face - Whether one side of the face droops, and if it is still possible to smile

• Arms - Both arms raised, and whether one arm drops down instead

• Speech - Check for slurred/strange speech

• Time - If the answer to any of the above is yes, seek immediate medical assistance. Providing effective treatment within the first 60 minutes, known as the "golden hour", is a key objective. 

Treatment Options & Cost

In 2016, the estimated lifetime cost for ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke patients in Malaysia was RM36,400 and RM37,757 respectively. 

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This figure includes long-term post-stroke outpatient care (e.g. nursing care & rehabilitation), logistics (e.g. mileage & parking), meals, and health aids and equipment. The bulk cost is borne by the patient and their family.

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Currently, treatment options include thrombolysis which works by dissolving dangerous clots in blood vessels to prevent damage to tissues and organs, and thrombectomy - a surgery to remove blood clots from inside an artery or vein. 71 hospitals nationwide have thrombolysis service.