Brian Jeffrey
Dr. Nguyen Huy Thang, an associate professor at People’s Hospital 115 in Ho Chi Minh City, has reported a troubling rise in strokes among younger individuals in Vietnam.
During the period from May 11 at 9 a.m. to May 12 at 6 a.m., the hospital saw 50 new stroke patients, with a significant number being under the age of 50.
One notable case involved a 21-year-old woman, H.T.K.V, who was admitted in a serious state at 6 p.m. on May 11. She was diagnosed with a brain hemorrhage resulting from thrombosis in her cerebral venous system. After more than a day of intensive care, her health showed improvement.
Additionally, a 40-year-old man was brought in critically ill due to a brain hemorrhage linked to unmanaged hypertension.
Thang mentioned that the average age of the 6,601 stroke patients at the hospital was 62 years. A separate study involving over 2,300 stroke cases in Vietnam indicated similar findings. In contrast to developed nations, the average age for strokes in Vietnam is approximately a decade younger, pointing to a concerning trend towards younger patients.
Thang identified seven key factors contributing to this increase:
Firstly, there is a rise in chronic health issues beginning at younger ages. Conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia are becoming more common among the youth. Sedentary lifestyles, high fast food intake, insufficient vegetable consumption, and obesity are significant contributing factors.
Secondly, the shift towards urban lifestyles has altered young people’s behaviors. Reduced physical activity, the prevalence of processed foods rich in salt and sugar, and work-related stress in urban settings elevate the risk of strokes.
Thirdly, environmental pollution is a growing concern. Major cities in developing nations are experiencing severe air quality issues, with studies indicating that long-term exposure to polluted air correlates with a heightened risk of stroke.
Fourthly, the accessibility of healthcare is limited. Many developing countries lack effective screening programs for conditions like hypertension and diabetes. Delays in identification and treatment of these ailments raise the risk of stroke among the youth.
Fifthly, rising rates of substance abuse, including smoking, alcohol, and stimulant use among young people, are compromising vascular health, especially when combined with other risk factors.
Sixthly, there are genetic and ethnic predispositions. Some ethnic groups in developing nations may have a higher risk for vascular diseases, exacerbated by unhealthy lifestyle choices.
Finally, a lack of awareness surrounding strokes persists among the youth. Misconceptions that strokes primarily affect older adults can lead to delays in seeking medical attention, resulting in serious outcomes.
Thang emphasized the importance of increasing community awareness, improving lifestyle habits, and strengthening medical screening initiatives to mitigate stroke risks for younger populations.
