Stroke, once considered a condition primarily affecting the elderly, is now increasingly striking younger adults in Trinidad and Tobago. On World Stroke Day (October 29), medical professionals highlighted this alarming trend, emphasizing the urgent need for awareness and preventive measures. The story of Anita B, a 52-year-old market vendor from Chaguanas, illustrates the severity of the issue. Anita suffered a haemorrhagic stroke caused by a ruptured aneurysm, leading to a sudden, violent headache, nausea, blurred vision, and collapse. Her case is emblematic of a broader crisis unfolding across the nation. Strokes are broadly categorized into two types: ischaemic strokes, caused by blood clots blocking brain vessels, and haemorrhagic strokes, resulting from ruptured blood vessels. Both types share common risk factors, including hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, and obesity, which are prevalent in Trinidad and Tobago. The rise in stroke cases among individuals in their 30s, 40s, and 50s is attributed to unhealthy diets, sedentary lifestyles, and unmanaged stress. This trend carries significant economic and social consequences, as it affects breadwinners and families, leading to lost income and emotional strain. The BEFAST campaign—Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech, Time—is a critical tool for early detection and response. Immediate medical intervention is essential, as treatments like thrombolysis and thrombectomy can significantly improve outcomes if administered promptly. Dr. Nicholas N Maraj, a consultant neurologist, underscores the importance of public education, hypertension management, and national health policies to combat this growing crisis. Anita’s journey of recovery serves as a poignant reminder of the need for vigilance and proactive health measures to prevent strokes and protect the nation’s most valuable resource—its people.
The silent storm: Trinidad and Tobago grapples with rising tide of stroke, especially in the young
