A cold wave is hitting Korea with temperatures dropping below the freezing point in some regions of the peninsula. In times of drastic changes in weather, It's crucial to remain vigilant for cerebrovascular diseases. With the drop in temperature, blood vessels tend to constrict, leading to an increase in blood pressure. In 2022, stroke was the fifth leading cause of death in Korea.

What is stroke? 

The likelihood of experiencing a stroke rises with the onset of colder weather, particularly during sudden temperature drops or weather fluctuations. Stroke is a condition resulting from cerebrovascular irregularities, wherein a blood vessel responsible for supplying blood to the brain either becomes blocked or ruptures, leading to damage in the nearby brain area and subsequent neurological symptoms. According to the Korea Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA), the number of stroke patients went up from 595,168 in 2018 to 620,000 in 2021.

In 2022, cerebrovascular disease held different rankings as a leading cause of death across age groups: third in the 60s, fourth in the 70s, and fifth in the 40s, 50s, and 80+ age groups. Strokes can be categorized into two main types: cerebral infarction, caused by a blood vessel blockage, and cerebral hemorrhage, resulting from a ruptured blood vessel. Additionally, there are transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), often referred to as “mini-strokes,” where temporary neurological symptoms occur due to a brief lack of blood flow to the brain. Typically, individuals recover without any damage to brain tissue, and this usually happens within 24 hours of symptom onset. However, the recurrence rate within 90 days is as high as 10 percent, serving as a significant warning sign for a future stroke. In fact, statistics indicate that 20-30 percent of TIA patients experience a stroke within three months.

Symptoms

This disruption of blood flow to the brain and damage to brain cells can cause a variety of symptoms depending on the location of the lesion. Symptoms may include hemiplegia, which is numbness of the face, limbs, and especially one side of the body; speech impairment, which is difficulty understanding or speaking to others; visual impairment, which is difficulty seeing in one or both eyes; severe headaches with no known cause; and dizziness, which is a feeling of being off-center and spinning when walking. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should visit an emergency room immediately.

In recent years, cerebral infarctions have surpassed cerebral hemorrhages in terms of prevalence, constituting approximately 70-80 percent of all stroke cases. This shift is significant due to the resulting necrosis of brain tissue, which often leaves patients with long-lasting aftereffects. Even if an individual regains consciousness following a stroke, they may still experience consequences such as facial paralysis, speech difficulties, or even enter a semi-comatose state.

How to prevent stroke

To mitigate the risk of stroke, it is imperative to stay vigilant about your risk factors and take proactive measures to manage them. High blood pressure stands out as the most prevalent modifiable risk factor for stroke. Additionally, smoking poses another significant risk, as it promotes the formation of blood clots within narrowed arteries, contributing to the development of atherosclerosis.

During the winter months, it is advisable to steer clear of extended or abrupt exposure to cold temperatures. This precaution is particularly crucial for older adults with high blood pressure and obesity. It's essential to exercise extra caution in areas such as restrooms, baths, and other environments where there is a sudden shift in temperature or blood pressure. Cold temperatures can cause blood vessels to constrict, elevating blood pressure and rendering them more susceptible to rupture.

"It is crucial to remain vigilant for strokes during periods of weather change," said Yoon Seung-jae, the head of the neurology department at Seran General Hospital. "If you experience dizziness or develop a headache in the winter, we strongly advise visiting the hospital for a blood pressure assessment."

Furthermore, engaging in regular physical activity plays a significant role in reducing the risk of premature death and fatalities due to cardiovascular disease, which can ultimately help in stroke prevention.

Yoon stressed that increasing physical activity is a key preventive measure against strokes, with daily exercise sessions of 30 minutes or longer proving effective in this regard.