"Diabetes and Smoking Especially Prevalent in Korea, Leading to Stroke... 'Be More Careful in the Cold'"

35% of Stroke Patients Have Diabetes
21% Are Smokers

The rates of diabetes and smoking among stroke patients in Korea were found to be relatively higher compared to patients overseas. In particular, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases such as stroke and myocardial infarction have an increased risk of occurrence during cold weather periods like these, requiring caution from patients with underlying conditions and the elderly.

On the 28th, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency’s National Institute of Health released these findings based on clinical information of stroke patients collected from 17 university hospitals nationwide, in commemoration of ‘World Stroke Day’ (October 29).

The rates of diabetes and smoking among domestic stroke patients were relatively higher compared to overseas patients. [Image source=Getty Images]

According to the analysis by the KDCA, 35% of stroke patients in Korea had diabetes. This is a higher figure compared to the 23-28% diabetes rate among stroke patients in countries such as Sweden, the United Kingdom, and Japan. Additionally, the smoking rate among Korean stroke patients was 21%, higher than that of the United States (19%) and Sweden (13%).

By gender, 33% of male stroke patients in Korea were smokers, significantly higher than the 3% among female patients. The overall gender ratio of stroke patients in Korea showed that males accounted for 59.8%, more than females at 40.2%. The average age of male patients was 67 years, which was generally younger than the average age of female patients at 73 years.

Stroke refers to neurological abnormalities caused by damage to the brain due to blocked blood vessels supplying blood to the brain (ischemic stroke) or ruptured vessels (hemorrhagic stroke). In severe cases, brain damage can lead to physical disabilities or death. Causes that promote stroke occurrence include hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, and diabetes. Among these, the proportions of hypertension and dyslipidemia in Korean patients were similar to or lower than the global average prevalence, whereas the rates of diabetes and smoking were relatively higher.

The KDCA stated, “More management of diabetes and smoking is necessary to prevent stroke in Korea.”

It was also found that the acute stroke treatment rate in Korea has not improved and requires enhancement. Looking at the overall reperfusion treatment rate (treatment that reopens blocked cerebral blood vessels to restore blood flow), it steadily increased until 2016 but has since plateaued. This contrasts with other countries where reperfusion treatment rates continue to rise.

Although rapid treatment is essential for stroke, the proportion of reperfusion treatments performed within 90 minutes in Korea has recently decreased. It rose from 35.4% during 2017-2019 to 36.8% in 2020, but then dropped again to 30.7% in 2021.

Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases such as stroke and myocardial infarction have a higher risk of occurrence during the cold winter months, so the elderly and chronic disease patients should be cautious not to be suddenly exposed to cold temperatures during this period. The ‘golden time’ for myocardial infarction and stroke is 120 minutes and 180 minutes respectively, making prompt response essential when early symptoms appear. However, according to last year’s KDCA ‘Community Health Survey,’ awareness rates of early symptoms for stroke and myocardial infarction were 62% and 52.9%, respectively. This means only about 5 to 6 out of 10 adults recognize the early symptoms of these diseases.

Early symptoms of stroke include ▶ sudden weakness in one side of the face, arm, or leg ▶ slurred speech or inability to understand others ▶ loss of half of the visual field in one or both eyes, or double vision ▶ dizziness ▶ severe headache. Symptoms of myocardial infarction include ▶ sudden chest pain or pressure ▶ severe pain in the jaw, neck, or back ▶ feelings of tightness or discomfort, which should raise suspicion.

Jiyoungmi, Director of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, emphasized, “It is important to know the early symptoms of stroke and myocardial infarction for rapid response when symptoms occur. Especially, the elderly, patients with underlying conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, and high-risk groups with past medical history should pay close attention to health management during winter, including avoiding going out during cold waves.”