Controlling Risk Factors Lowers Stroke Rates in Mexico

Controlling risk factors is key to reducing the incidence of stroke in the Mexican population. Every October 29, World Stroke Day (or Cerebrovascular Disease, CVD) invites reflection on one of the main causes of disability and mortality worldwide. The term 'stroke', derived from Latin, means 'blow', a precise description of how this event impacts the brain. In Mexico, cerebrovascular diseases have gained increasing relevance as one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality. It is estimated that CVD accounts for about half of the neurological problems treated in general hospitals, and that one in six people in the country will suffer an episode in their lifetime. The consequences of a stroke vary depending on the extent and location of the brain damage. These symptoms can be transient or precede a major event, but in all cases, they require immediate medical attention. Stroke prevention focuses on controlling modifiable risk factors: high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, obesity, smoking, and heart disease. Adopting a balanced diet, maintaining regular physical activity, and reducing alcohol and tobacco consumption are essential measures to decrease the incidence of this condition. World Stroke Day not only represents a call to medical action but also to social awareness: recognizing the symptoms and acting quickly can mean the difference between life, death, or permanent disability. This article, along with reports, exclusive interviews, videos, podcasts, and more, can be found in our next special digital edition of 'Temas Selectos en Salud'. Cerebrovascular diseases alter cerebral blood flow, either by the obstruction of an artery (ischemic stroke) or the rupture of a blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke), which interrupts the supply of oxygen to brain tissue and causes the death of neurons within minutes. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines a stroke as a sudden-onset syndrome, characterized by the rapid development of clinical signs that reflect a disturbance of brain function, either focal or global, lasting 24 hours or more, or causing death without any other apparent cause than a vascular origin. Globally, the WHO states that CVD is the second leading cause of death and one of the main causes of permanent disability: one in five patients dies, and three in five are left with functional sequelae. The commemoration of World Stroke Day aims to strengthen prevention strategies, early diagnosis, and timely care. Actions include information campaigns, community awareness programs, and medical training focused on recognizing warning signs, as intervention within the first four hours is crucial for reducing mortality and minimizing neurological sequelae. Key warning signs include sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arms, or legs (particularly on one side of the body); blurred vision or sudden loss of vision; dizziness, loss of balance, or unexplained falls; difficulty speaking or understanding language; and severe headache with no apparent cause. The consequences can range from mild speech or motor coordination impairments to complete paralysis, vision loss, or severe cognitive decline.