Apollo Hospitals Dhaka has joined forces with stroke campaigners around the world on World Stroke Day, observed on October 29, as part of the global effort to raise awareness of stroke for women.
Globally, women run a higher risk of a stroke, and are more likely than men to die as a result. To help address this situation, Apollo Hospitals Dhaka has observed the day with Dr Quazi Deen Mohammad, Professor of Neurology of Dhaka Medical College and Hospital, who was the chief guest at their World Stroke Day Seminar. Many other reputed neurologists from around Bangladesh attended the event, which officially began with the release of balloons at the hospital atrium.
The event provided an intensive discussion on advanced treatments and prevention methods for strokes, including 24-hour thrombolytic therapy, which is performed only at Apollo Hospitals. “In Bangladesh this disease effects people at quite a young age in comparison to people around the world,” said Dr Quazi Deen Mohammad. “Stroke is preventable and this communication should reach the entire country, even across the villages," he added.
In addition, one in five women globally will experience a stroke in their lifetime, compared to one in six men. Other than their longer life expectancy, women have an increased burden of major stroke risk factors including hypertension, irregular heartbeat, diabetes, depression and obesity. Furthermore, specific risk factors and settings in women include pregnancy, the post-partum period and some hormonal replacement therapies. Some kinds of stroke, such as aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage and cerebral venous thrombosis, are more common in women. For all these reasons, a greater awareness and focus on women and stroke is a global priority for the WSO.
Additionally, young adults and people nearing forty who have diabetes, hypertension, and history of heart disease in the family, or are a smoker (even occasionally) are more prone to a “brain attack” at a younger age.
The World Stroke Organisation (WSO) and Apollo Hospitals Dhaka are calling on women and young adults to get a master health check done and to encourage those around them to do the same to be aware of stroke and to discuss risks and prevention strategies with a qualified health professional. Director of Medical Services of Apollo, Dr Prasad R Muglikar, ends the seminar by adding: “Apollo is not alone and is working with the society to improve and educate the medical and patient communities in advanced procedures and awareness of new diseases. Apollo has the amenities to satisfy the patients and as a result the foreign currency is saved.”