IGMH treated more than 500 stroke patients last year

Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) admitted more than 500 patients suffering from strokes in 2025, according to a neurologist at the hospital.

Speaking on Public Service Media's (PSM) Raajje Miadhu programme in connection with World Stroke Day, observed on Thursday, IGMH neurologist Dr Ali Aafee said strokes remained a common medical condition both globally and in the Maldives.

He said the number of people suffering strokes worldwide had increased by 50 per cent compared with previous years.

"Among people over the age of 50, the lifetime risk of suffering a stroke is one in four, or 25 per cent. This shows how common strokes are globally," Dr Aafee said.

"Looking at the situation in the Maldives, more than 500 people were admitted to IGMH with strokes last year alone. This is a very common condition."

Dr Aafee said Maldivian statistics showed that older people accounted for the majority of patients receiving treatment for strokes.

He emphasised the importance of regular medical check-ups, maintaining an active lifestyle and exercising to reduce the risk.

IGMH neurology subspecialist Dr Salman Nizam said stroke symptoms generally appeared suddenly, with warning signs potentially developing within seconds or minutes.

He said strokes could affect people of all ages, from young children to older adults, making it important to recognise the symptoms and seek medical attention without delay.

Dr Salman explained that the medical acronym BE FAST could help people remember the warning signs of a stroke.

The acronym stands for:

Dr Salman advised anyone experiencing these symptoms to seek immediate medical attention at a hospital equipped with CT scanning facilities.

He explained that identifying the type of stroke was necessary before doctors could determine the appropriate treatment.

Strokes can occur when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures. Treatment depends on the type of stroke, making timely diagnosis important.

Dr Salman said strokes could be treated if patients received medical attention promptly.

He also noted that lifestyle habits played a significant role in determining a person's risk of suffering a stroke.

According to Dr Salman, high blood pressure and diabetes are among the main risk factors associated with strokes.

He advised people prescribed medication for hypertension or diabetes to take their medicines regularly and follow medical advice.

People with heart disease or irregular heart rhythms also face an increased risk of stroke, he said.

Other contributing factors include high cholesterol, kidney disease and abnormalities in blood composition.

Dr Salman also identified tobacco use, physical inactivity and excess body weight as factors that increase the likelihood of suffering a stroke.

He noted that certain infections could also contribute to stroke risk in some circumstances.

The doctors emphasised that regular health checks, physical activity and the management of existing medical conditions could help reduce the risk of strokes.

They also urged the public not to ignore sudden neurological symptoms, stressing that delays in seeking treatment could affect recovery.