Health x Wellness
Stroke Numbers Are Rising: Why the ‘Silent’ Risk Might Be Closer Than You Think
For many of us, stroke is something we associate with our grandparents. But the data tells a different, more urgent story.
The number of new stroke cases in Singapore has surged significantly, rising from 6,367 in 2012 to 9,702 in 2022.
It is a stark reminder that cerebrovascular health isn’t just an issue for the elderly; it is a pressing concern for the sandwich generation often caught between caring for aging parents and managing their own health.
This year’s National Stroke Awareness Campaign, “Step Ahead of Stroke,” focuses on two critical pillars: recognizing the signs instantly (FAST) and managing the risks proactively (SMART).
The ‘Silent’ Threat You Can’t Ignore
The campaign highlights a worrying trend regarding hypertension, the single biggest risk factor for stroke. Often called a “silent” condition because it rarely shows symptoms, high blood pressure affects a massive portion of the population who simply don’t know they have it.
According to the National Population Health Survey 2024, 51.2 percent of adults with hypertension were previously undiagnosed. This means more than half of the people walking around with a ticking time bomb in their arteries have no idea they are at risk until a medical event occurs [added context].
Associate Professor Raymond Seet, Senior Consultant at the National University Hospital, notes the danger of this ignorance: “It’s common to see stroke patients in the wards who are unaware they have high blood pressure because they felt ‘fine’ before they had their stroke. High blood pressure, uncontrolled diabetes and high cholesterol are all ‘silent’ conditions which is why regular health screening is so important”.
A Game-Changer in Treatment
While prevention is the ultimate goal, medical advancements have revolutionised how doctors treat ischaemic stroke (caused by blockages). The usage of Endovascular Thrombectomy (EVT)—a procedure that physically extracts clots from blood vessels—has increased fourfold in Singapore from 2017 to 2024.
EVT involves threading a small catheter through a blood vessel to carefully retrieve the clot and restore blood flow. When performed quickly, it can rapidly reverse symptoms and drastically reduce long-term disability.
“Endovascular thrombectomy is a game-changer… These treatments in eligible patients, are proven to increase the likelihood of regaining their functional independence, but they are time sensitive,” explains Associate Professor Deidre De Silva, Chair of the Stroke Services Improvement team.
Why Speed is Survival (F.A.S.T.)
The effectiveness of treatments like EVT relies entirely on speed. Every minute delayed results in the further loss of brain cells. The campaign urges Singaporeans to memorise the F.A.S.T. acronym to recognise symptoms immediately:
- Face drooping
- Arm weakness
- Speech difficulty
- Time to call 995 immediately
It is vital to call for an ambulance rather than trying to transport the patient yourself, as paramedics can begin the triage process immediately, ensuring the patient arrives at a hospital ready for assessment.
Taking Control (S.M.A.R.T.)
While emergency response is critical, the most empowering statistic is that up to 80 percent of strokes can be prevented. The campaign introduces the S.M.A.R.T. approach to prevention, which serves as a practical checklist for busy professionals:
- Smoke-free living
- Meals that are healthy (low sugar, sodium, and saturated fat)
- Active lifestyle
- Regular health screenings
- Taking prescribed medications
For those already diagnosed with hypertension, adherence is key. Data shows that three-fifths (60.4 percent) of those aware of their condition still struggle to maintain healthy blood pressure levels. Managing stress and diet isn’t just about feeling good today; it’s about guarding against a life-altering event tomorrow
Information shared by Stroke Services Improvement (SSI), a national team appointed by the Ministry of Health in February 2014 to oversee and implement initiatives to improve stroke care. Its efforts include enhancing response and treatment time following a stroke attack and engaging healthcare providers across the spectrum of stroke treatment and recovery. It also leads public awareness efforts and develops patient education materials.
