Controlling blood pressure reduces the risk of stroke.

Stroke not only threatens life but can also leave severe aftereffects such as motor paralysis, speech difficulties, memory loss, or depression. These injuries have a long-lasting impact on quality of life and place a significant financial and caregiving burden on families. Among the risk factors, hypertension is particularly noteworthy because it often has no obvious symptoms.

People with it can still live and work normally without realizing the risk of blood vessel damage. Therefore, feeling healthy does not necessarily mean that blood pressure is at a safe level. According to the Dak Lak Provincial Center for Disease Control, by 2025, the rate of hypertension patients detected will be 49%; the rate of those managed, treated, and achieving treatment targets will both be at 22.05%.

These figures show the need to continue strengthening early detection, management, and support for patients to adhere to treatment. According to Dr. Ngo Van Hung, Head of the Cardiology Department at the Central Highlands Regional General Hospital, hypertension is one of the most important risk factors for stroke, associated with both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes.

Many people only check their blood pressure when they experience headaches or dizziness, while the disease can progress silently. Therefore, regular blood pressure measurement and assessment by healthcare professionals is crucial for early detection. Prolonged high blood pressure puts constant pressure on the blood vessel walls, increasing the risk of blood vessel damage and cardiovascular events.

The risk is even higher when the patient also has diabetes, dyslipidemia, smokes, or is overweight. In areas far from hospitals, health centers are where people can check their blood pressure, receive advice, and be guided to specialist clinics when needed. Mr.

Nguyen Dinh Phuong, residing in Ea Ktur commune, Dak Lak province, shared that he rarely checked his blood pressure before because he thought that not having headaches or dizziness meant he was in normal health. After receiving advice from health workers, he proactively measured his blood pressure, recorded the results, and went for check-ups according to schedule.

According to doctors, detecting the disease is the first step, while maintaining treatment is what needs to be done long-term. Patients should not reduce the dosage on their own, stop medication when their blood pressure seems stable, or only take medication when their blood pressure is elevated.

Dr. Ngo Van Hung emphasized that stable blood pressure may be the result of medication and lifestyle changes, but it does not mean the disease is cured. Patients need to take medication as prescribed, attend follow-up appointments as scheduled, and discuss any unwanted side effects or difficulties during treatment with their doctor.

Monitoring blood pressure at home requires proper technique, from selecting the right equipment and posture to determining the timing of measurements as instructed by healthcare professionals. Patients should record the results to provide to their doctor at follow-up appointments and should not adjust medication based on a single measurement.

Besides adhering to treatment, lifestyle changes play a crucial role in stroke prevention. People should reduce salt intake, limit sauces and processed foods; increase green vegetables and fruits according to their health condition; control weight and maintain moderate physical activity.

At the same time, they should quit smoking, avoid secondhand smoke, and limit alcohol consumption. People with cardiovascular disease should consult with their doctor to choose appropriate forms of exercise. The family also plays a crucial role in supporting patients in maintaining treatment, reminding them to take medication on time, preparing low-salt meals, monitoring blood pressure, and accompanying them to follow-up appointments.

In addition to hypertension, conditions such as diabetes, dyslipidemia, and atrial fibrillation also need to be managed as prescribed. Everyone needs to remember the warning signs of a stroke, such as sudden drooping of the mouth, weakness or numbness in one side of the body, difficulty speaking, loss of balance, or decreased vision.

When these symptoms appear, call emergency services (115), note the time the symptoms started, and follow the instructions of medical personnel. Do not wait for symptoms to go away on their own or delay emergency care by applying home remedies. Controlling blood pressure is a long-term process that requires perseverance from the patient, support from family, and guidance from healthcare professionals.

Proactively monitoring blood pressure, taking medication as prescribed, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are practical steps to reduce the risk of stroke.