"One-Sided Paralysis or Severe Headache"... Beware of Winter Visitors 'Stroke and Myocardial Infarction'

Elderly and Chronic Disease Patients, Check Perceived Temperature Before Going Out
Early Symptom Awareness Needed for Prompt Response

On the 29th, ahead of 'World Stroke Day,' the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency urged the elderly, chronic disease patients, and high-risk groups with a history of illness to be especially cautious about their health by avoiding sudden exposure to cold during winter or prolonged outdoor activities, and by carefully recognizing early symptoms of stroke or myocardial infarction.

Stroke and myocardial infarction are severe diseases that can lead to death if not diagnosed quickly and treated appropriately. Even if the patient survives, they may suffer serious disabilities, increasing physical and economic burdens, making prevention and early response crucial. Especially, the more accurately patients recognize and express their symptoms, the easier it is to receive prompt treatment within the golden time, so early recognition of symptoms is important to improve survival rates and prognosis.

During daily life, sudden paralysis of one side of the body, speech or visual impairment, dizziness, or severe headache should raise suspicion of a stroke. Sudden chest pain or pressure, severe pain or tightness in the jaw, neck, or back are early symptoms of myocardial infarction.

However, awareness of these early symptoms is not high. According to the 2023 Community Health Survey, the nationwide awareness rates of early symptoms of stroke and myocardial infarction were 62.0% and 52.9%, respectively, indicating that only about 5 to 6 out of 10 adults recognize early symptoms.

Accordingly, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency is promoting public interest in the risks and response measures for stroke and myocardial infarction through promotional content on the agency’s social media (SNS) and the National Health Information Portal.

Director Ji Young-mi stated, "It is important to know the early symptoms of stroke and myocardial infarction in advance for prompt response when symptoms occur." She emphasized, "Especially, the elderly, patients with underlying conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, and high-risk groups with a history of illness should check the perceived temperature before going out, avoid outdoor activities and prolonged outings in cold weather, maintain warmth, and pay special attention to winter health management to prevent sudden exposure to cold."