Eliminating the paradox of 'younger onset of disease'

(PLVN) - Recently, along with the unpredictable and harsh weather changes between the rainy and sunny seasons, there have been numerous cases of people suffering strokes while driving in many provinces and cities. One example is the case of several drivers and delivery workers who died from strokes while driving.

Most recently, on the afternoon of May 20th, a 42-year-old woman, while riding her motorbike on National Highway 1 in Binh Duc commune ( Tay Ninh province), showed signs of fatigue, slowed down, pulled over to an empty plot of land by the roadside, fainted, and subsequently died from a stroke.

Stroke occurs when a blood vessel supplying the brain becomes blocked (ischemic) or ruptures (hemorrhagic), depriving the brain of oxygen and causing brain cells to die. Besides age and genetic factors, the main causes of stroke stem from several dangerous underlying medical conditions, which in turn originate from an unhealthy lifestyle. These include substance abuse; an unhealthy diet; lack of exercise; prolonged psychological stress; toxic relationships; and anxiety. This unhealthy lifestyle leads to underlying conditions that are direct risk factors for stroke, such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. In particular, excessive exertion or extreme stress leading to exhaustion increases the risk of stroke.

In Vietnam, Hanoi Heart Hospital reports a 10-20% annual increase in cardiovascular disease cases, with a growing number of patients aged 30-40, and even under 30. According to statistics, cardiovascular disease causes over 200,000 deaths in Vietnam annually. Representatives from the Hanoi Cardiology Association stated that diseases previously only seen in people over 50, such as hypertension and coronary artery disease, are now common in the 30-40 age group. The Ministry of Health recorded in 2023 that 5-7% of stroke cases occurred in people under 45, a rate increasing by approximately 2% annually, concentrated in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. On a global scale, the World Health Organization (WHO) warns that stroke is no longer a disease exclusive to the elderly, with 10-15% of all stroke cases worldwide occurring in people under 45 years old.

The Party and State's policy of organizing regular health check-ups and free screenings for all citizens, which localities are planning to implement in 2026, will significantly contribute to the prevention and control of diseases in general, as well as stroke in particular. The socio-economic development of the entire country has made remarkable strides. Along with the principle of development without leaving anyone behind, no one is left to live in poverty or hunger. The general aspiration of each individual is to achieve goals such as wealth, cars, and houses… In other words, current living conditions are much better than in the past, and the quality of life has improved significantly; yet, the mortality rate from stroke is higher than before, which is a paradox.

A policy of free regular health check-ups and screenings for all citizens will significantly contribute to eliminating this paradox. Public opinion also hopes that, in addition to health check-ups and screenings, authorities will also more strongly promote a scientific and healthy lifestyle to all citizens, encouraging them to avoid excessive stress and harmful relationships, in order to protect their own health.

Source: https://baophapluat.vn/xoa-bo-nghich-ly-tre-hoa-benh-tat.html