Lieutenant Colonel, Doctor Hoang Tien Trong Nghia of the 175 Military Hospital, explains that strokes occur when "harmful" risk factors damage blood vessels, the heart, and the body's natural mechanisms. Some of these factors include smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, and high blood sugar (from diabetes, consuming refined sugars, etc.).

"Regular health checkups, early detection, and treatment of risk factors are fundamental to stroke prevention," he says.

Medical examination at 175 Military Hospital. Photo: Quynh Tran

Medical examination at 175 Military Hospital. Photo: Quynh Tran

Here are some recommendations for checkups and screenings to prevent strokes:

Regular Checkups and Risk Assessment:

General Clinical Examination:

Doctors inquire about personal and family medical history, lifestyle, smoking and alcohol consumption, chronic conditions (high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, blood lipid disorders, etc.), and measure blood pressure, listen to the heart, and calculate BMI to identify potential stroke risk factors.

Individual Risk Evaluation:

Those with a history of stroke or with close relatives (parents, siblings) who have had a stroke, along with patients with diabetes, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, heart disease, obesity, blood clotting disorders, women using birth control pills, individuals with sedentary lifestyles, smokers, etc., require more thorough screening.

Necessary Screening Tests and Procedures:

General Blood Tests:

These tests assess blood lipids (cholesterol, triglycerides), blood sugar (glucose), liver and kidney function, cardiac enzyme levels, blood count, and blood clotting factors to detect disorders that increase stroke risk.

Electrocardiogram (ECG):

An ECG can detect early signs of heart rhythm disorders (like atrial fibrillation), myocardial ischemia, and valvular heart disease, which can lead to cardiogenic strokes.

Imaging (when indicated):

Brain MRI, CT scan, cerebral angiography, and carotid Doppler ultrasound can help detect narrowed or blocked cerebral arteries, arterial malformations, and vascular damage.

Eye Exam:

This checks for changes caused by high blood pressure, diabetes, or atherosclerosis in small blood vessels.

Other tests (if indicated):

Echocardiogram, 24-hour blood pressure monitoring, genetic testing for blood clotting disorders (if there is a family history), chest X-ray, and coagulation tests.

Frequency and Target Group for Stroke Screening:

Regular checkups are recommended at least every 6-12 months, especially for people over 40, those with risk factors, or those with underlying conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or heart disease.

The frequency and scope of screening are adjusted by the doctor based on individual risk.

Additional advice for stroke prevention:

Effectively manage blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels.

Quit smoking, limit alcohol consumption, and maintain a healthy weight.

Exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet (low in salt and unhealthy fats, rich in green vegetables, whole grains, and fish).

Get regular health checkups and adhere to treatment for underlying conditions if any.

Le Phuong