Healthy lifestyle can prevent 90% strokes: Specialists

A healthy lifestyle and regular habits can prevent up to 90% of strokes, medical specialists said at a roundtable discussion in Dhaka on Saturday.

They observed that a stroke is not merely an immediate health hazard, but a primary cause of long-term disability and loss of productivity. Prompt identification of symptoms and immediate hospitalisation within the critical "golden hour" can significantly curtail mortality and permanent neurological damage.

The roundtable was organised by Popular Stroke and Neurocare Centre in collaboration with Opsonin Pharma Limited at Hotel Holiday Inn in the capital to observe World Stroke Day 2026.

Addressing the session, Popular Medical College Hospital Director Prof Dr Iftekhar Ibne Mannan said that every single minute is vital in stroke care. He stressed that hospital managements must eliminate administrative and diagnostic delays in conducting CT scans or MRIs, while ensuring round-the-clock emergency medical interventions and early rehabilitation.

Prof Dr Jahirul Haque Chowdhury noted that around 1.9 million people in Bangladesh are currently affected by strokes, with 10% of patients under the age of 40. He advocated using the "BE FAST" protocol (Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech, and Time) to detect symptoms early, adding that regular physical exercise, balanced diets, avoidance of reheated oils, and adequate sleep substantially reduce risk factors.

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Prof Dr Md Shafiqul Islam pointed out that ischaemic strokes--caused by blocked blood vessels--account for 85% of cases, whilst haemorrhagic strokes from ruptured vessels make up the remaining 15%.

Dr Ruhul Quddus highlighted the urgency of administering thrombolysis or endovascular treatment within 4.5 hours of symptom onset to save millions of brain cells from necrosis.

Dr Uzzal Kumar Mallick underscored the necessity of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) support to manage severe complications such as aspiration pneumonia, respiratory failure, and seizures.

Prof Dr MM Zaman emphasised that comprehensive rehabilitation—incorporating physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy should commence within 24 to 48 hours once vital signs stabilise. Md Shamsul Arefin Majumder called for making modern stroke care, diagnostic facilities, and essential medicines accessible across the country.