GMC’s neurology head: 70% of all strokes are related to hypertension

Panaji: Hypertension is the major risk factor in strokes, with around 70% of all strokes hypertension-related, said head of GMC’s neurology department, Dr Teresa Ferreira. She stressed on the need to check one’s blood pressure regularly and keep it under control.


Everyday, GMC’s emergency department sees between three and five acute stroke cases, ranging from mild to severe. Among recent cases was that of a 44-year-old woman who came in with an acute onset of right-sided weakness and slurred speech.


“Her BP was 190/100. Tests showed evidence of chronic hypertension, which she was unaware of, and her scan showed an ischemic stroke,” said Ferreira. “Uncontrolled and inadequately-controlled blood pressure leads to vascular damage and strokes. Hence, its important to monitor BP regularly to see if the treatment is adequate to avoid complications.”


While strokes due to hypertension can be seen in the fourth and fifth decade of one’s life, they increase in frequency from the sixth decade.


Another recent case was that of a 52-year-old who had high blood pressure for two years, but stopped medication six months ago on his own. “He came in with an acute onset of left-sided weakness, with his scan showing a bleed in the brain. Although he survived the episode, he remained with left-sided weakness, which affected his mobility and ability to earn his livelihood,” she said.


Uncontrolled BP can also cause vascular dementia due to multiple small strokes causing brain damage, where the patient experiences slowness in walking, forgetfulness, and bladder control problems.


A 69-year-old was brought to GMC with confusion over the past two days, which progressed into seizures and coma. “His BP was 240/120. He was a known case of hypertension and had stopped his medication for a month as he felt well. His reports were consistent with malignant hypertension, wherein the BP is high and causes blood vessel involvement in multiple organs, including the brain and end organ damage,” said Ferreira.


Besides ischemic strokes, intracranial bleeds are also commonly seen due to uncontrolled BP, and these can be fatal in the first attack too, she said. “Everyone above the age of 20 should check their BP once a year. A person who is diagnosed with hypertension should check it monthly when well controlled, but more frequently till controlled,” she said.