Strokes and heart disease claim 225 South African lives every day. Strokes are preventable but they increasingly affect those under 50 years old, according to Dr Dion Kapp. He is the executive manager of managed healthcare at Bestmed Medical Scheme. “Our country is facing a silent but deadly health crisis,” He says. “Every hour around 10 South Africans suffer a stroke or related heart conditions, with an estimated 225 lives lost each day, which highlights a growing public health concern that shows no sign of slowing down. “Strokes are one of the most preventable yet devastating health events we face,” Kapp says. “Awareness, early detection and lifestyle support are key to reducing its impact. “They are increasingly striking younger people under the age of 50 due to a combination of traditional risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol, as well as non-traditional risk factors including illicit drug use and inflammatory diseases or blood clotting disorders.” What is stroke? “A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted, depriving brain cells of oxygen, a process that can cause permanent brain damage or death within minutes,” says Kapp. “While some stroke survivors may recover fully, others are unfortunately left with long-term disabilities that affect their independence, confidence and overall quality of life. “Understanding the warning signs and acting fast can prevent thousands of deaths each year,” Today is the last day for Stroke Awareness Week. Lizeth Kruger, clinic executive at Dis-Chem Pharmacies, says that cardiovascular health is essential in preventing strokes. “Heart disease occurs when fat, cholesterol and other substances build up in the walls of arteries,” says Kruger. “These deposits are known as plaques and can narrow or completely block arteries, leading to heart attacks or strokes if untreated. Through education and access to quality healthcare we encourage individuals to start their journey to better health and take charge of their cardiovascular health.” Watch | Dr Avron Urison, 1Life Insurance chief medical officer, says stroke is among the leading causes of death and long-term disability worldwide, claiming the lives of 225 people daily in SA. @smashaba pic.twitter.com/OTn2mbzKiz— Sowetan (@Sowetan1981) November 3, 2025
Dr Avron Avron, chief medical officer of 1Life Insurance, highlights statistics recorded by the Heart and Stroke Foundation. “one in three adults suffers from hypertension, which is a major risk factor for heart attacks, heart failure, kidney disease and strokes”. “Furthermore, 67.9% of adult women and 38.2% of adult men are classified as overweight or obese, further elevating the risk of stroke,” He says. “These statistics underscore a serious public health concern. “However, recovery is possible. Stroke recovery outcomes vary significantly and are largely influenced by the severity of the initial event and the accessibility of timely and thorough medical care.” Urison believes that immediate action can save lives and help stroke victims recover. “If you notice any of these symptoms, seek emergency medical help immediately because prompt treatment can dramatically improve recovery outcomes: “Facial drooping — ask the person to smile or show their teeth. If one side of the face appears uneven or droops, this may indicate a stroke. “Arm weakness — have them raise both arms. If one arm drifts downward or feels significantly weaker, it could be a warning sign. “Speech difficulty — ask them to repeat a simple sentence. Slurred, confused or incoherent speech is a strong indicator of stroke.“If you or someone you know has these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.“Every minute counts,” Urison believes that stroke recovery involves a number of steps. “adapting to new ways of doing everyday activities using the abilities they still possess. Getting support through rehabilitation specialists can make a significant difference”. “Occupational therapy will assist in helping the survivors slowly regain independence. This is through teaching them alternative methods for daily tasks like dressing, bathing and grooming,” He says. “Speech therapists will help patients relearn how to speak, explore alternative communication methods and improve swallowing functions. Physical therapy will help an individual focus on restoring movement, balance and strength to enhance walking and overall mobility.” Urison warns of the risk that one could suffer another stroke after a previous stroke. “To prevent a second stroke starts with proactive care. Adopting healthy lifestyle habits can significantly reduce that risk. “Remember that prevention is always better, even with a genetic predisposition. Start by adopting simple, healthy behaviours throughout your life. This can help prevent the onset of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and reduce the likelihood of a stroke.” Quick Take/Fact BoxLizeth Kruger shares ways to reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease: Routine health screenings. Routine checks can help identify risks like high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Early detection allows for effective management — the Heart and Stroke Foundation says about 80% of heart diseases and strokes are preventable. Manage diabetes. Obesity, diabetes and other risk factors can be controlled. Uncontrolled diabetes can increase your risk of stroke and heart disease. Limit alcohol and avoid smoking: Avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol consumption can reduce cardiovascular risks. Smoking can increase blood pressure and cause blood clots. It also lowers the good cholesterol. Exercise and manage your stress. Chronic stress can cause heart disease and stroke. To improve heart health, use stress reduction techniques and exercise at least 30 mins five days per week. Maintain a healthy diet and a healthy lifestyle. Concentrate on fruits, whole grain, nuts, fish, and vegetables. Limit saturated fats, added sugars, and sodium. Post-diagnosis Care: For stroke victims, holistic and regular rehabilitation is crucial. Physical, occupational, and speech therapy can aid in recovery. Family and friends’ emotional support is essential. Sowetan
2025-11-03 10:00:00
