[Opinion] Seasonal Change, a Time When Stroke Risk Increases - Special Caution Needed

Stroke is a serious condition caused by the interruption of blood supply to the brain and is the fourth leading cause of death from a single disease in South Korea. The risk of stroke increases especially during seasonal transitions, so special caution is required.

O Se-jin, Head of the Department of Neurology, SMG Yonsei Hospital.

According to data from Statistics Korea, the mortality rate from cerebrovascular diseases in 2022 was 49.6 per 100,000 people. Additionally, data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service shows that the number of stroke patients in 2022 reached 634,177, representing a 7.1% increase compared to 2018.

There are two main reasons why the risk of stroke increases during seasonal transitions. First, rapid changes in temperature and atmospheric pressure cause blood vessels to constrict or dilate, leading to significant fluctuations in blood pressure. Second, the large daily temperature range impairs the body's ability to regulate temperature, which increases blood viscosity and the risk of thrombosis.

A Korean study published in the Journal of Stroke in 2017 found that daily temperature variation significantly affects the risk of stroke. The study showed that for every 1℃ increase in daily temperature range, the risk of acute stroke increased by 2.4%. In particular, for elderly individuals aged 65 and older, the risk was even higher, with a 2.7% increase in stroke risk for every 1℃ increase in daily temperature range. This suggests that older adults may be more vulnerable to temperature fluctuations.

Precautions to prevent stroke during seasonal transitions include ▲maintaining indoor and outdoor temperature differences within 5 degrees (sudden temperature changes put stress on blood vessels) ▲improving blood circulation through regular exercise (moderate exercise is important as excessive exercise can be harmful) ▲practicing smoking cessation and moderate alcohol consumption (smoking and excessive drinking greatly increase stroke risk) ▲managing underlying conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia (these are major risk factors for stroke) ▲drinking enough water to reduce blood viscosity (it is recommended to drink more than 8 glasses of water a day) ▲being especially careful with stress, as it is a major cause of increased blood pressure ▲and undergoing regular health check-ups to detect and manage stroke risk factors early.

It is very important to receive appropriate treatment within 3 hours after stroke onset. Therefore, if major stroke symptoms such as ‘hemiplegia, speech impairment, severe headache, dizziness, or visual disturbances’ suddenly appear, immediate contact with emergency services (119) and transport to the emergency room are necessary.

During seasonal transitions, anyone can be exposed to the risk of stroke. However, this risk can be greatly reduced through proper prevention and management. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, having regular health check-ups, and always paying attention to stroke warning signs are crucial. Wishing everyone a healthy autumn.

O Se-jin, Neurology Department, SMG Yonsei Hospital