Nghe An: Cold weather leads to an increase in stroke patients.

From now onLunar New YearTo date, the weather has been unusually erratic, with significant temperature fluctuations within a day and between days, leading to many patients requiring hospitalization.

At Friendship General HospitalNghe AnThe number of patients has surged dramatically, increasing by more than 150% compared to normal days. Currently, there are 2,200 patients receiving treatment here, mainly for stroke, cardiovascular, and respiratory illnesses. On the morning of January 31, 2023, approximately 1,300 patients visited the outpatient clinic.

At the Stroke Center, approximately 20-25 patients are admitted for treatment each day. Photo: Thanh Chung

At the Stroke Center, the number of patients has increased rapidly in recent days, with approximately 20-25 patients admitted for treatment each day. Of these, patients with acute stroke account for about 10-15%.

At this time (noon, January 31, 2023), the Stroke Center has 110 inpatients, with approximately 40 patients in critical condition requiring level 1 care. 80% of patients have ischemic stroke, and the remaining 20% ​​have hemorrhagic stroke.

The majority of stroke patients being treated here are between 65 and 80 years old. However, there are also 4 patients under 40 years old… All the hospital beds are occupied, and the doctors and nurses are working very hard to treat and care for them.

According to doctors at the Stroke Center: Sudden temperature changes from high to low during the day are the main cause of many strokes. When the temperature drops to around 15 degrees Celsius, the risk of stroke increases by 80% compared to times of normal temperature. Patients often suffer strokes late at night and early in the morning.

The Stroke Center currently has 110 inpatients, with approximately 40 patients in critical condition requiring level 1 care. Photo: Thanh Chung

Dr. Le Quang Toan, Director of the Stroke Center at Nghe An Friendship General Hospital, shared: The main culprits causing stroke are underlying chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders.

To prevent and reduce the risk of stroke, people with the aforementioned chronic underlying conditions should control these risk factors by using medications for their chronic diseases as recommended and directed by their specialist doctors.

In cold weather, peripheral blood vessels constrict, causing blood pressure to rise and blood viscosity to increase, thus raising the risk of stroke. Therefore, people need to avoid sudden exposure to cold air, especially in the early morning, afternoon, and at night.

People should also exercise moderately, preferably indoors in a well-ventilated and warm environment, and avoid exercising outdoors. When going outside, they should dress warmly, wear a hat, and gloves. To prevent illness, people should also eat a balanced diet, increasing their intake of vegetables and fruits.

When family members notice signs such as sudden speech disorders (unable to speak or making muffled sounds, agitated shouting), weakness in one arm or leg, facial asymmetry, sudden coma, and altered consciousness, they should immediately take the patient to a medical facility for assessment, treatment, and timely referral for specialized treatment within the critical window, avoiding delays and unfortunate consequences - advises Master's degree holder and doctor Le Quang Toan.