Race Against the Clock: Stroke Hits Mauritian Every 100 Minutes

A person suffers a stroke in Mauritius every 100 minutes, a stark statistic highlighted ahead of World Stroke Day on October 29th, as health experts warn that prompt action is critical to survival and recovery.

The alarming frequency means roughly 10 to 15 people become stroke victims every 24 hours in the country.

Consultant Neurologist and Regional Health Director at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam National Hospital, Dr. Harrish Reesaul, emphasised that “every minute counts” in the aftermath of a “brain congestion or attack.”

Speed is Vital in Treatment

Rapid intervention is crucial, with the ideal timeframe for effective treatment being just four and a half hours (4 hours and 30 minutes) from the onset of symptoms.

The public is urged to immediately call the emergency services (114 or SAMU) at the first suspicion of a stroke, allowing the patient to be quickly transported to a specialised unit, such as the Stroke Unit at Victoria Hospital, Candos.

Approximately 30 per cent of stroke sufferers may die, and a further 60 per cent face the risk of paralysis or other severe long-term disability, according to Dr. Reesaul.

He noted that during a stroke, around two million brain cells die, underscoring the danger of the condition.

Major Risk Factors and Youth Vulnerability

The condition—known medically as a Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA) or ‘stroke’—occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted, either by a rupture of a blood vessel (haemorrhage) or a blockage by a clot (ischaemia). Dr. Reesaul stated that 80 per cent of strokes are caused by artery occlusion.

The leading risk factor identified by the specialist is uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension), which weakens blood vessels and increases the likelihood of rupture or blockage.

Dr. Reesaul stressed that a failure to control blood pressure puts individuals “in danger of having a stroke at any time.”

Other key risk factors include:

• Diabetes: It damages vascular health, speeding up artery deterioration and raising clot risk.
• Poor Lifestyle: Sedentary behaviour, lack of exercise, an unbalanced diet, and the consumption of tobacco and alcohol all significantly amplify the risk.

Dr. Reesaul noted that an estimated one in five people suffer from hypertension in Mauritius, and highlighted a disturbing trend of rising strokes among the young, who often overlook their health due to a perceived low-risk status.

Prevention is Paramount

Preventative measures are essential, resting on the rigorous management of blood pressure, a healthy and balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding harmful substances.

Dr. Reesaul also warned that many Mauritians do not undergo regular screenings for cholesterol or blood glucose, which further compounds their risk.

He underscored the need for young people to adopt healthy habits, including regular physical activity and health check-ups, as a vital life-saving measure.

Post-Stroke Care

Following an emergency diagnosis using a CT scan to identify the stroke type, immediate care may include anticoagulant treatments for ischaemic attacks.

Post-emergency, patients require intensive and long-term rehabilitation, which can span months or even years. This process involves:

• Physiotherapy: To regain mobility.
• Speech Therapy: To relearn speaking and swallowing.
• Psychological Support: To cope with the trauma.

The ultimate goal of this rehabilitation is to help patients regain autonomy, return to professional and social life, and prevent a second stroke.

Source: l’Express