Stroke, a ticking time bomb in the brain… "More dangerous in summer than winter."

Now that it's summer...

My husband and I are hearing news of the deaths of parents and grandparents around us.

I thought winter would be more dangerous

They say stroke is more dangerous in the summer...

I think it's best to avoid the really hot midday sun.

I hope this heat wave goes away soon.

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Headache-related images. iClickArt

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases reported that the risk of stroke, including cerebral infarction, is higher in the hot summer than in the winter.

According to the Onjong General Hospital on the 31st, the number of patients hospitalized with stroke between May and July of this year was 150. This is approximately double the 79 patients hospitalized for the same condition over the three months starting in December of last year.

Stroke is broadly divided into cerebral infarction and cerebral hemorrhage. Cerebral infarction occurs when a blood vessel is blocked by a blood clot or other cause, preventing sufficient oxygen supply to the brain, damaging part of the brain.

Cerebral hemorrhage occurs when a narrowed cerebral blood vessel ruptures, causing bleeding within the brain. High blood pressure is the most common cause, but cerebral aneurysms, brain tumors, and vascular malformations can also cause cerebral hemorrhage.

Their symptoms most commonly include paralysis or loss of sensation in one limb, and may be accompanied by speech problems, dizziness, headache, double vision, and visual disturbances.

The number of stroke patients in Korea continues to rise. According to statistics from the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service, the number of patients receiving treatment for stroke reached approximately 610,000 in 2020, and the number continues to increase each year.

It occurs most frequently in people in their 70s, followed by those in their 60s, 80s and older, and 50s. As the risk of stroke increases with age, countermeasures for stroke are urgently needed in Korea, which is rapidly becoming a super-aging society.

Dr. Ha Sang-wook, head of the Brain and Nerve Center at Onjong General Hospital (neurologist), emphasized, “In summer, when blood vessels expand and blood flow slows down compared to winter, we need to pay more attention to prevent stroke.”

Temperature regulation is paramount… Be mindful of hydration.

Regulating your body temperature is paramount in preventing strokes during the summer. Avoid outdoor activities during hot daytime hours and stay indoors. Maintain an appropriate indoor temperature, and be careful not to let your body temperature drop too low when using air conditioning or fans.

Additionally, since you sweat a lot, it's important to maintain adequate fluid intake to avoid dehydration. It's also important to manage your diet, avoiding excessive drinking and smoking and consuming plenty of vegetables and fruits. Regular exercise also promotes blood circulation and helps regulate blood pressure, so don't neglect it.

Kim Soo-hee, head of the Cerebrovascular Center at Onjong General Hospital, emphasized, “The longer the treatment for stroke is delayed, the worse the prognosis becomes, so it should be managed through regular health checkups, and if stroke symptoms occur, you should visit the hospital immediately and receive treatment.”