Stroke patients are getting younger. Protect yourself now, to live your best life longer.

Here at home, stroke and other brain attacks were the #3 cause of death in the Philippines² in 2023, with more than 53,000 Filipinos succumbing to the illness that year. Figures are similar around the world, where strokes also account for a huge portion of disabilities.

Yet while most of us will know someone who’s experienced a stroke, lack of awareness remains. As the country marks Brain Attack Week every August, let’s learn more about this very real yet preventable risk.

What is a stroke?

Our brain cells run on oxygen, brought there by blood vessels. A stroke is any event that disrupts the supply of blood, and thus of oxygen and nutrients, to the brain. This can damage brain cells in minutes.

There are two main types of strokes. The majority are temporary ischemic strokes (the so-called “mini-strokes”), caused by blockage in an artery that supplies blood to the brain. Symptoms of these can disappear within 24 hours, but they’re a reliable warning sign and can have long-term effects.

The remaining portion are hemorrhagic or intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) strokes, when a blood vessel or clot bursts and causes bleeding in the brain. These strokes are more likely to be fatal. Disturbingly, a 2022 US study suggests that ICH strokes are becoming more frequent in younger patients³.

Other than that, strokes look different on different people. They can start in the brain or elsewhere in our bodies; the causes, symptoms, treatment and chances of recovery differ as well. They can range from Hailey Bieber’s “mini stroke” to Emilia Clarke’s two serious strokes⁴ in the early seasons of Game of Throne.The aphasia (language loss) that forced actor Bruce Willis to retire is most often a consequence of strokes.

Closer to home, local newsman Arnold Clavio is recently back on air after an ICH stroke in June while driving home from golf. Kuya Kim Atienza’s exceptional fitness began as part of his recovery from a serious stroke⁵ in 2010, at age 47. Actress Isabel Granada suffered an aneurysm-related stroke at age 41 and did not survive.

When a stroke is immediately treated, survival and recovery are very possible. But therapy and long-term rehab can be costly and are not always accessible throughout the Philippines.

Strokes rising among younger people

The biggest and most dangerous myth about strokes is: “I’m young and fit, no need to worry.”

Sadly, this is not true. Strokes are still more common among our parents and grandparents, but younger adults and even children can be affected as well. Clarke and Bieber were both just 24, while musician Kid Cudi and local actor Paolo Ballesteros had strokes at age 32. A US study estimates that 10-15% of strokes happen to people below aged 50⁵, with the proportion rising every year.

What’s behind this? Let’s look at stroke risk factors. These include congenital heart issues, atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat), and autoimmune diseases like lupus. Blood clots are linked to both kinds of strokes, and can be triggered by long-haul flights, pregnancy, and steroids among others.

Many other stroke risk factors, however, are lifestyle-based and controllable. One of the biggest is hypertension, which weakens arteries and makes them more likely to burst or be blocked as blood fights its way up to our brain. Diabetics are twice as likely to have strokes⁶, and at an earlier age; high cholesterol, smoking and obesity are correlated as well.

Once considered age-related conditions, these are now much more common among younger groups, who are also more likely to ignore symptoms or postpone treatment. But given the sources of these conditions, all of us with stressful lives and daily diets high in sugar, fat and salt are potential candidates.

(That said, there’s no shortage of stroke patients who are fit and even athletic. Olympic sprinter Michael Johnson’s mini-stroke at age 51 left him unable to walk for two months.)

Another potential cause is injury to the head and neck -- whether through accidents, extended time in unusual neck positions, even just a careless heavy lift or neck massage. Severe recurring migraines, which affect women three times as much as men, are another known risk factor. Finally, heredity counts too – if a member of your family had a stroke, you’re 15-25% more likely to have one too.

Bottom line: many things can put you at risk for a stroke. But most can be managed or reduced when we’re aware of them and take action.

Spot stroke symptoms: BEFAST

When brain cells are being damaged, every second counts. If you or someone else experiences any of these symptoms, get help immediately. Early treatment can make a significant difference in the outcome.

• Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination, difficulty standing.
• Eyes: Sudden difficulty seeing in one or both eyes.
• Face drooping: One side of the face droops or feels numb. Ask the person to smile, if the smile is uneven, get them to the ER.
• Arm weakness: One arm may suddenly feel weak or numb. Ask them to raise both arms; if one arm drifts downward, that’s a sign.
• Speech difficulty: Speech may be slurred or hard to understand. Ask them to repeat a simple sentence.
• Time to call the doctor: Any one of these symptoms could be a warning. Even if they go away, call emergency services immediately.

Other symptoms include confusion and a sudden, severe headache with no known cause.

If these happen to you, don’t attempt to drive. Seek medical help immediately, as doctors must quickly assess the type and nature of the stroke in order to begin lifesaving treatment.

You can reduce your stroke risk now.

While some causes are congenital, the best stroke prevention is consistent daily health. Take action to manage your blood pressure, cholesterol and predisposition for diabetes. Quit smoking and moderate your alcohol. Add movement throughout your day, and regular sleep at night.

These aren’t new, but many adults do not make them a priority. If you’ve seen any red flags here, consult a doctor and prepare to make permanent changes.

It helps to be ready with health coverage, so you have financial support for medical expenses should the need arise. You can secure targeted coverage like Big 3 Critical Illness Insurance designed specifically to cover the high costs of heart disease, cancer and stroke, from prevention through to hospitalization and recovery.

FWD Big 3 Critical Illness Insurance is a comprehensive protection plan that covers the top 3 most common critical illnesses: cancer, heart attack, and stroke. It provides financial protection by offering a cash benefit upon diagnosis of any of these illnesses. What sets it apart is its coverage for all stages of cancer, from early to late-stage. This means that regardless of when you're diagnosed, you'll receive 100% of the benefit amount.

When you’re covered, you and your family can focus on treatment, without the added burden of sustained financial worries.

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