Bandar Seri Begawan – Stroke remains a pressing health issue in the country, with main causes such as hypertension, high cholesterol, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and tobacco use needing urgent attention. A disrupted blood supply to the brain, which can occur from a blocked vessel or a ruptured vessel, leads to stroke and potential brain damage.
According to Radio Television Brunei, a recent survey found that one out of three adults in the nation suffers from hypertension and nearly half of these individuals also have high cholesterol levels. The data further shows that one in four people lead a sedentary lifestyle, while nearly two-thirds are overweight, and close to one-fifth are smokers. In light of World Stroke Day, celebrated annually on October 29th, Dr. Abang Muhammad Fahmy bin Abang Hepnie from the Brunei Neuroscience Stroke and Rehabilitation Centre at PJSC categorized stroke risk factors into modifiable and non-modifiable, noting that up to 90% are preventable.
Dr. Fahmy stressed the importance of a healthy diet, regular activity, and adherence to medication schedules to reduce stroke risks. The World Stroke Organization has indicated that strokes are increasingly affecting individuals under 70, with 63% of stroke patients falling below this age range. Managing modifiable risks is key to stroke prevention.