Stroke, once considered a condition primarily affecting the elderly, is now increasingly striking younger adults in Trinidad and Tobago, with devastating consequences for individuals, families, and society. On World Stroke Day (October 29), medical professionals are raising the alarm about this growing crisis, emphasizing that stroke is no longer confined to older populations. The two main types of stroke—ischaemic and haemorrhagic—are both on the rise, driven by factors such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and unhealthy lifestyles. Ischaemic strokes, caused by blood clots blocking brain vessels, account for 85% of cases, while haemorrhagic strokes, resulting from ruptured blood vessels, make up the remaining 15%. Both types share common risk factors, with uncontrolled hypertension being the most significant. The trend is particularly alarming among adults in their 30s, 40s, and 50s, who are increasingly falling victim to stroke due to poor diets, sedentary habits, and unmanaged stress. This shift not only imposes heavy medical costs but also leads to lost income, emotional trauma, and a decline in the nation’s productive workforce. To combat this, the BEFAST campaign—which stands for Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech, and Time—is being promoted as a critical tool for recognizing stroke symptoms and seeking immediate medical attention. Advances in treatment, such as thrombolysis and thrombectomy for ischaemic strokes, and neurosurgical interventions for haemorrhagic strokes, offer hope, but timely action is essential. The medical community is calling for a national effort to raise awareness, manage risk factors, and promote healthier lifestyles to prevent and treat stroke effectively.
The silent storm: TT grapples with rising tide of stroke, especially in the young
