On 17/7, Dr. To Van Tan, Deputy Head of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at SIS Can Tho International General Hospital, reported that a cerebral angiogram revealed the patient had blockages in the internal carotid artery and middle cerebral artery on the left side, leading to an ischemic stroke. Doctors performed emergency mechanical thrombectomy, successfully removing the blockage and limiting further brain damage.

The young man had no underlying health conditions typically associated with stroke risk, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, vascular malformations, or atrial fibrillation. However, his family revealed he had been smoking daily for the past six years and frequently stayed up late.

"These are silent but dangerous risk factors that accelerate the aging of blood vessels, leading to atherosclerosis and increasing the risk of stroke even at a young age," Dr. Tan explained.

Doctors performing an intervention on the stroke patient. Photo: *Hospital*

The increasing incidence of strokes in young people is largely attributed to unhealthy lifestyles, including smoking, chronic stress, lack of sleep, and substance use. Dr. Tan expressed concern about this trend, as strokes at this age are often underestimated, leading to delayed hospital visits and severe consequences.

While many survive, they often cannot return to work after a stroke, placing a significant burden on their families and society. Most stroke survivors experience lasting effects on bodily functions, disabilities, weakened health, or complications such as paralysis, partial weakness, speech impairment, emotional disturbances, and vision loss.

Studies indicate that the average age of stroke onset in Vietnam is about 10 years younger than the global average, around 62, compared to 70 to 75 in developed countries. Younger individuals are increasingly facing conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and dyslipidemia at earlier ages, elevating their stroke risk. The primary causes are a sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet (high in fast food, low in vegetables), and obesity, which are becoming more prevalent in the context of modernization.

Public awareness of stroke remains low, resulting in delayed treatment. It's crucial to bring patients to a hospital with a stroke intervention unit within the first four to six hours for the most effective treatment upon noticing any signs such as limb weakness, facial drooping, difficulty speaking, or sudden dizziness.

Le Phuong