High incidence of stroke victims a worry

THE incidence and prevalence of stroke victims is increasing, and it remains the third leading cause of death in the Western Cape.

Health practitioners marked World Stroke Day yesterday and Stroke Awareness Week which takes place this week.

Western Cape Rehabilitation Centre (WCRC) is a flagship facility for physical rehabilitation services, Its chief executive, Jenny Hendry, said the centre admits about 700-800 patients per year.

“Approximately 30-35% of patients admitted to our facility are stroke victims. Men and women were admitted at equal rates,” she said.

The majority of strokes were caused by hypertension, diabetes, tobacco and substance abuse as well as obesity, Hendry said.

“Sedentary lifestyle choices such as inactivity and poor diet increase your risk of obesity, diabetes and heart disease, which are all precursors to a stroke. These are controllable and if altered can reduce the likelihood of stroke,” she said.

Over the past three years the facility has seen a noticeable increase of younger patients between the ages of 15-40 years being admitted for stroke rehabilitation. “A total of 26% of patients admitted during the 2014/ 15 financial year were between the ages of 15-40 years… this percentage increased by 9% by the end of the 2016/ 17 financial year,” Hendry said.

She also reported that people who have had a stroke and who are HIV-positive are younger than those patients who do not have HIV.

“HIV weakens and slowly destroys the body’s immune system, leaving an individual susceptible to numerous illnesses. Your central nervous system is also affected, causing a number of neurological complications, such as stroke,” said Hendry.

About 60% of the facility’s clients reside in the Metro East District, which includes areas like Khayelitsha and Mfuleni. Individuals are at greater risk of acquiring a disability if they live in an impoverished area, she said.

This was mainly due to the general lack of health care, nutrition, sanitation and safe working and living conditions that the poor endure.

She also said it was impossible to ignore the strain stroke survivors place on their families/caregivers, especially in impoverished areas.

“Caring for stroke survivors can cause high levels of emotional, mental, and physical stress for both the stroke survivor and caregiver,” Hendry said.

Health MEC Nomafrench Mbombo said preventative action always surpasses the best treatment.

“Stroke is the leading cause of disability in South Africa,” she said.