ISLAMABAD, Oct 29 (APP): Medical experts have urged people to control blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol and recognize stroke symptoms early, stressing that immediate medical attention can save lives and prevent long-term disability.
Marking World Stroke Day on October 29, health experts identified high blood pressure as a major risk factor, alongside diabetes, high cholesterol, heart conditions, smoking, physical inactivity, obesity and unhealthy dietary habits.
They advised people to note when symptoms begin or when a suspected stroke patient was last seen well and share this information with emergency medical staff. They cautioned against giving food, drinks or medicines, including aspirin, unless advised by a healthcare professional.
Medical practitioner Dr. Asif Sami said controlling preventable risk factors was essential to reducing the risk of stroke.
“Controlling blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol, avoiding tobacco and adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of stroke. Regular medical check-ups are equally important for identifying health problems at an early stage,” he said.
He recommended regular physical activity, a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, reduced salt intake, maintaining a healthy weight and taking prescribed medicines as directed.
He also advised people with existing medical conditions to follow their doctors’ recommendations to keep them under control.
Medical expert Dr. Sumaira Iqbal highlighted the importance of recognizing stroke symptoms without delay.
“Sudden facial drooping, weakness or numbness in an arm or leg, difficulty speaking, loss of balance or changes in vision can indicate a stroke. People should seek emergency medical assistance immediately rather than waiting for symptoms to disappear,” she said.
She said the ‘be fast’ approach could help people remember the warning signs, including balance problems, eye or vision changes, facial drooping, arm weakness and speech difficulties. This is important for acting quickly to obtain emergency medical assistance.
Medical expert Dr. Zahid Saleem stressed that timely intervention was critical to reducing the risk of severe complications.
“A stroke is a medical emergency in which every minute counts. Delaying treatment can increase the risk of brain damage, disability and death. Patients should be taken to a hospital immediately if a stroke is suspected,” he said.
Explaining the condition, Dr. Zahid Saleem said a stroke occurred when blood flow to part of the brain was blocked or a blood vessel ruptured. An ischaemic stroke resulted from a blockage, often caused by a blood clot, while a haemorrhagic stroke occurred when a blood vessel ruptured, causing bleeding in or around the brain.
Observed annually on October 29, World Stroke Day raises awareness about stroke prevention, early recognition and timely treatment.
The 2026 campaign’s message, “every minute counts,” reinforces the importance of acting quickly to protect brain health and save lives.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
