Burundians need to get information about stroke diseases, say specialists

The world celebrates the International Stroke Day on every October 29th to raise people’s awareness of a stroke and what can be done to combat it. Heart and vascular diseases specialists in Burundi call for intensive awareness.

Constantin Nyamuzangura: “An immediate treatment can minimize the damage caused by a stroke and maximize chances of recovery”.

Constantin Nyamuzangura, cardiologist, says there are some symptoms that can be signs of a stroke. “The face may have dropped on one side, the person may not be able to smile, or their mouth or eye may droop. The person may not be able to lift both arms and keep them stable because of weakness or numbness in one arm. Their speech may be slurred or garbled, or the person may not be able to talk at all despite appearing to be awake”.

He calls on people to consult doctors once they see such signs of a stroke. “If any of these stroke symptoms appear, it’s important to take immediate actions and get to a hospital right away. An immediate treatment can minimize the damage caused by a stroke and maximize chances of recovery,” he says.

Mr. Nyamuzangura regrets that most of the patients they receive have already been victims of a stroke. “People do not come for medical consultations when they see symptoms. They often come to hospital a bit late and this hampers their recovery. But still, it is better to go to hospital, it is never late”.

Marc Nimburanira, heart and vascular diseases specialist, says a stroke disease is a reality in Burundi and there is a strong need to sensitize people to the fact that it may be fatal. He says there is a primary prevention that should be encouraged. “Controlling blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes is the key prevention of a stroke disease”.

Dr Nimburanira also says maintaining a healthy diet that is low in saturated fat and being physically active can help reach and maintain a healthy body weight. “This is another way of preventing a stroke disease”.

A stroke is a non-communicable disease that attacks millions of people worldwide every year. In Burundi, specialists confirm that they receive several cases of stroke victims. They, however, regret that there have not been inquiries to gather data about the disease.