In the Republic of Moldova, over 10,000 people suffer a stroke each year. This is the leading cause of handicap among the adult population. 13% of the patients are able to work, while one third of those who suffered a stroke are socially active persons. Stroke is the second leading cause of dementia, depression and the most frequent cause of epilepsy in the elderly. The data were presented by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Social Protection in connection with the World Stroke Day that is annually observed on October 29, IPN reports.
According to specialists, the stroke is a major health problem with socioeconomic implications that affects primarily older persons, but also the young people, to a lesser extent.
The immediate recognition of the signs of a stroke is essential as every minute counts. The signs of stroke are: sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body; sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech; sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination, sudden severe headache with no known cause.
The Ministry of Health said a decline in cerebrovascular disease mortality has been recorded in Moldova: from 181.6 cases per 100,000 people in 2009 to 146.1 cases per 100,000 in 2019. The mortality rate decreases by seven cases per 100,000 people on average a year.
Studies show that up to 80% of strokes can be prevented by addressing risk factors, including hypertension monitoring, healthy eating, giving up smoking and practicing sport.
