While many associate strokes with the cold winter, recent data shows that summer also brings a significant risk. From May to July this year, Busan On General Hospital admitted 150 patients for strokes, including cerebral hemorrhage and cerebral infarction. This is nearly double the 79 admissions recorded from December 2023 to February 2024.
Summer’s heat causes blood vessels to expand, slowing blood flow and reducing the oxygen supply to the brain. Dehydration from excessive sweating further thickens the blood, increasing the risk of clots and strokes. Additionally, moving from a cool indoor environment to a hot outdoor environment can trigger sudden blood vessel constriction, compounding the risk.
Strokes are categorized into two types: cerebral infarction and cerebral hemorrhage.
Cerebral infarction occurs when a blood vessel in the brain becomes blocked, damaging brain tissue. This blockage can affect any vessel, from major arteries like the carotid artery to smaller vessels within the brain. Blockage cuts off oxygen, leading to tissue necrosis. Risk factors include hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption.
Cerebral hemorrhage happens when a narrowed blood vessel in the brain bursts, causing internal bleeding. Hypertension is the primary cause, but aneurysms, tumors, and vascular malformations can also contribute.
Symptoms of cerebral infarction include paralysis or numbness in limbs, speech difficulties, dizziness, headache, double vision, and visual impairment. Early treatment is crucial, as delays can worsen the prognosis.
Prevention is key, and managing risk factors is essential. This includes controlling high blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol levels, avoiding smoking and excessive drinking, maintaining regular exercise, and adhering to a healthy diet.
Dr. Choi Jae Young, director of the Cerebrovascular Center at Busan On General Hospital, advised individuals with underlying diabetes or hypertension to undergo carotid and cerebral vascular CT scans, especially during the hot summer months. These scans assess the condition of the carotid arteries and help predict stroke risk.
Dr. Bae Hyo Jin, a specialist at the Neurology Center, highlighted that stroke is a leading cause of death in South Korea. Data from the National Statistical Office in 2021 ranked cerebrovascular diseases, including strokes, as the fourth leading cause of death. The number of stroke patients has been rising yearly, with most cases occurring in individuals in their 70s, followed by those in their 60s, 80s, and 50s.
Dr. Ha Sang Wook, also a specialist at the Neurology Center, emphasized the need for heightened awareness of stroke prevention in the summer. He recommended avoiding outdoor activities during peak heat, maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature, and staying hydrated. Limiting alcohol consumption and smoking while consuming plenty of fruits and vegetables can also help. Regular exercise supports blood circulation and blood pressure control.
Dr. Kim Soo Hee, a specialist at the Cerebrovascular Center, stressed the importance of early detection and management of risk factors through regular check-ups. Immediate hospital treatment is vital if stroke symptoms arise. Treatments for detected carotid artery stenosis include medication, carotid endarterectomy, or carotid stenting.
Dr. Choi Jae Young reiterated the importance of avoiding strenuous outdoor activities and staying hydrated to prevent strokes, particularly as outdoor activities among older people become more common.
