The cells in the brain need oxygen and nutrients to help us function in everyday life. The blood which flows to the brain through blood vessels carries these much needed oxygen and nutrients.
A stroke happens when blood flow to a part of the brain is disrupted, causing our brain cells to die due to lack of oxygen.
Stroke in Singapore
Stroke is the fourth leading cause of disability in Singapore. According to the National Registry of Diseases Office (NRDO), the total number of stroke cases reported in 2022 (9,702) has almost doubled since 2010 (5,890), over a decade ago.
Alarmingly, NRDO’s data also revealed that the number of younger people (between 15-49 years) found to suffer a stroke has been increasing over the years, debunking the myth that only the elderly population are at a higher risk of experiencing a stroke at least once.
Types of stroke
- Ischaemic Stroke: About 80% of strokes fall under this type. It is caused by a blood clot blocking an artery, cutting off blood supply to the brain.
- Haemorrhagic Stroke: This occurs when a blood vessel ruptures, leading to bleeding in the brain. High blood pressure often triggers this type of stroke.
- Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA): A ‘mini stroke’ with symptoms that resemble a stroke, such as weakness or numbness on one side of the body or slurring of speech, except that these symptoms are transient in TIA. TIAs are often a warning for a recurrent stroke if left untreated.
Causes & risk factors
Ischaemic strokes are commonly associated with the ‘3 Highs’: high blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia), and high blood sugar (diabetes). Meanwhile, haemorrhagic strokes are commonly caused by high blood pressure.
- High blood pressure
- High blood sugar (diabetes)
- High cholesterol
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Physical inactivity
- Obesity
- Atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat)
- Family history of stroke at young age (<50 years old)
- Age (risk increases with age)
- Previous history of stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
- Certain medical conditions (e.g. cardiovascular disease)
Effects of stroke
The impact of a stroke varies based on the part of the brain damaged. Patients may have long-term loss of strength, sensation, or the ability to speak due to the stroke. The effects of a stroke are also different for everyone; for example, a person may have speech difficulties after a stroke while another may not.
Some possible effects include:
- Reduced physical mobility, strength, endurance, or others
- Impacted cognitive processes such as memory, reasoning, decision-making abilities or others
- Aphasia, dysphagia, or other affected communication and/or speech abilities
- Low social engagement, self-confidence, moods, or others
Stroke prevention tips
- Regular Exercise: 150-300 minutes of physical activity a week can improve cardiovascular health, control weight, and reduce risks.
- Healthier Diet: Include veggies, fruits, nuts, whole grains, and white meat. Adjust cooking methods for healthier meals.
- Lifestyle Changes: Refrain from smoking and alcohol consumption for a healthier life.
- Medication Adherence: Taking prescribed meds on time for chronic illnesses like hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes helps prevent complications and reduces stroke risk.
Spot stroke F.A.S.T

Source: HealthHub.SG

Source: HealthHub.SG