The Stroke Risk Calculator is introduced on the OMRON Healthcare's website under the company's campaign "Sleeves Up, Stroke Risk Down" to highlights the importance of blood pressure monitoring in reducing the risk of stroke. The tool empowers individuals to understand their stroke risk and encourages regular home blood pressure monitoring. An OMRON Internal Study (done from November 2021 to October 2022) states that regular home BP monitoring can reduce the risk of stroke by 54% amongst hypertensive patients. This initiative aligns with OMRON's commitment to stroke prevention and coincides with World Stroke Day, a global awareness campaign highlighting the urgency of stroke prevention and education.
Stroke is a serious medical condition that affects millions of people worldwide, often leading to devastating consequences. A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted, leading to the death of brain cells. It can result from a blockage in a blood vessel (ischemic stroke) or the rupture of a blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke. According to a recent Lancet commission report, Strokes could kill 10 million people a year by 2050 indicating an increase of 50 per cent in 30 years. It also brings forth the importance of controlling lifestyle factors such as hypertension. The burden of disability after a stroke is large. Immediate medical attention is crucial during a stroke because early intervention can minimize brain damage and improve the chances of recovery.
Stroke is a significant cause of death and disability in Thailand. The latest data from the National Health Security Office (NHSO), updated on December 16, 2022, reveals a concerning trend. The incidence of stroke cases has been on the rise since 2017, increasing from 278.49 per hundred thousand population aged 15 and older to 330.72 per hundred thousand population aged 15 and older in 2022. The prevalence of stroke among hypertensive patients in Thailand remained relatively constant at around 4% from 2014 to 2018[1]. According to a Statista report[2], there were approximately 2.3 thousand hypertensive patients per 100,000 population in Thailand in 2021, estimating around 12.3 million affected individuals.
Hypertension (abnormally high blood pressure), which is often called a 'silent killer'[3], remains the leading modifiable risk factor for stroke. The Lancet Report also states that prioritization of early detection and control of hypertension is strongly recommended to be a part of both primary and secondary stroke prevention strategies.
With the introduction of the Stroke Risk Calculator, OMRON Healthcare is taking proactive steps to combat this 'silent killer'. The Stroke Risk Calculator allows individuals to assess their individual risk of a stroke in the next five or ten years. It is based on a set of scientifically tested questions covering various aspects of health and lifestyle. Poor diet, habits, and lifestyle can significantly increase the risk of stroke. Understanding the risk and regularly monitoring one's blood pressure at home can lead to early intervention, better lifestyle habits, and potential cost savings on healthcare.
"As we like to say, 'One small squeeze a day keeps the BIG stroke away!'. There is a strong correlation between lifestyle, high blood pressure and the risk of a stroke. Monitoring one's blood pressure at home and utilisation of the Stroke Risk Calculator can make a huge difference in effectively managing the risk of stroke occurrence risk and healthcare costs." said Yusuke Kato, General Manager, OMRON Healthcare (Thailand) Co. Ltd.
"The Stroke Risk Calculator feature is very quick and simple — after answering 20 questions anyone between the ages of 20 to 90+ can quickly see their risk of stroke in approximately 3 minutes. It also provides essential information on how they can reduce their chance of stroke. Stroke can occur at any age and at any time even in people with a low to medium risk. Hence, developing awareness about risk exposure and preventive healthcare to reduce the risk is crucial," said Ms. Arucha Promyanon, Product Manager - Asia Pacific, OMRON Healthcare Singapore Pte., Ltd.
Cardiologist, Dr. Surapun Sitthisook also stressed the critical role of monitoring blood pressure in the prevention of strokes. "Hypertension is a significant risk factor for stroke because it places strain on the arteries and increases the likelihood of blood clots. Regularly monitoring blood pressure allows individuals to detect any abnormalities and take appropriate measures to maintain it within a healthy range. This simple yet essential step is crucial for stroke prevention," he said.
To calculate your stroke risk, please go to:
https://www.omronhealthcare-ap.com/th/how-lower-blood-pressure-can-prevent-stroke
[1] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-96878-4.pdf
[2] https://www.statista.com/statistics/1104418/thailand-number-of-hypertension-patients/
[3] WHO, Scale-up efforts to prevent, detect and control hypertension
Source: มิดัส พีอาร์
