Associate Professor Nguyen Huy Thang, vice president of the Vietnam Stroke Association and head of the Cerebrovascular Disease Department at Nhan Dan 115 Hospital, stated that there's no definitive evidence on the ideal age for stroke screening, especially for those without prior symptoms. However, the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Stroke Association (ASA) recommend assessing stroke risk starting at 40 during routine checkups. These assessments should focus on major risk factors such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and lifestyle choices, including smoking and drug use.

Stroke screening can begin before 40 for individuals with specific risk factors. This includes those with a family history of stroke or cardiovascular disease (in parents or siblings) at a young age, personal history of high blood pressure, diabetes, or atrial fibrillation, smoking, obesity, or a history of transient ischemic attacks (TIAs).

The goal of screening is early detection of stroke risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, dyslipidemia, atrial fibrillation, or vascular disease. Often, these conditions present no initial symptoms. Early detection allows for timely intervention through lifestyle changes, medical treatment, or preventative measures to reduce stroke risk.

"Screening is just the first step; managing these risk factors is crucial for optimal stroke prevention," Dr. Thang emphasized.

Stroke screening assesses risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, dyslipidemia, atrial fibrillation, and vascular disease. Photo: Quynh Tran. *

Statistics indicate that the average age of stroke onset in Vietnam is about 62, approximately 10 years younger than in developed countries, where it ranges from 70 to 75. At Nhan Dan 115 Hospital, individuals born in 1970 or later often comprise half of the daily stroke admissions, with some patients as young as 20.

Recently, the hospital admitted a 28-year-old man who suffered a stroke affecting nearly half of his cerebral hemisphere, resulting in complete paralysis on his right side and loss of speech. Surgeons performed a craniotomy to save his life, but his chances of returning to a normal life are slim. Another patient, a 23-year-old sixth-year medical student, experienced an ischemic stroke. Fortunately, he received prompt treatment, made a full recovery, and has no lasting effects.

"The increasing stroke rate among young people is alarming and stems from multiple factors," Dr. Thang explained. Young people are developing high blood pressure, diabetes, and dyslipidemia earlier in life, primarily due to sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diets (high in fast food, low in vegetables), and obesity, all prevalent in modern society. Many stroke victims are unaware of these underlying conditions or, if aware, fail to manage them effectively.

Additional contributing factors include stress from work and urban living, alarming levels of air pollution, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and the use of other stimulants. Many young people lack awareness of stroke risk factors and symptoms. The misconception that stroke only affects older adults can delay seeking emergency medical care, increasing the risk of death or severe complications.

Le Phuong