KATH records 4 to 6 new stroke cases daily, over 1,000 annually – Neurologist reveals disturbing trend among youth

The Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) has reported a significant surge in stroke cases, with between four and six new cases diagnosed daily, amounting to over a thousand annually. This alarming trend was unveiled during a free health screening exercise held at Antoakrom to mark World Stroke Day. Dr. Priscilla Abrafi Asafo Adjei, the Neurologist and Head of the Multidisciplinary Stroke Team at KATH, expressed concern over the rising number of young adults, aged between 20 and 40 years, who are falling victim to strokes.

She pointed out lifestyle factors such as diabetes, hypertension, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, obesity, high cholesterol, stress, and lack of physical activity as major contributors to the escalating cases. A major contributing factor highlighted by Dr. Asafo Adjei is the non-adherence to medication prescribed for hypertension and diabetes.

Dr. Bernard Bediako, the Amansie West District Director of Health, further clarified that the screening exercise was a response to the growing trends of hypertension and diabetes, the leading risk factors for stroke, which are increasingly affecting younger individuals. Hypertension, previously associated with the elderly, is now affecting those in their twenties, thirties, and forties, constituting up to six percent of outpatient department (OPD) cases.

To combat this, the district health directorate is intensifying community health education and routine screenings in various public places to ensure early detection and prompt treatment. The World Stroke Day, observed annually on October 29, aims to increase awareness about stroke prevention, early detection, and treatment. The event, themed “Every Minute Counts– #ActFAST”, encouraged residents to adopt healthy lifestyles, reduce salt and alcohol intake, avoid smoking, exercise regularly, and seek immediate medical attention for stroke symptoms.