Last year, INEM referred 8,796 patients with suspected stroke to the most appropriate hospitals through Via Verde do AVC, 1,920 more than in 2022, an average of 24 cases per day.
The Lisbon district has the highest number of referred cases, with 1,665 patients, followed by Porto and Setúbal with 1,639 and 640 cases respectively, according to data from the National Institute of Emergency Medicine (INEM), published this Friday in connection with the National Day of Stroke Patients . , which is celebrated on March 31st.
The average age of patients treated through Via Verde do AVC was 73.9 years, INEM said, adding that of the total number of cases reported last year, 50% were women and 50% men.
The data indicates a growing increase in the number of cases referred since 2019, when INEM transported 4,415 patients. This number rose to 4,939 in 2020, 5,816 in 2021, 6,876 in 2022 and 8,796 in 2023.
INEM notes that this increase “does not necessarily mean an increase in the incidence of this disease and may be justified by a greater understanding of the importance of early contact with 112 or the SNS24 health line (808 24 24 24), leading to an increase in the number of suspected stroke situations in which INEM intervenes.”
Another explanation given by the institute for this increase is the higher number of registrations made through the computer platform iTEAMS (INEM Tool for Medical Emergency Alert System) compared to previous years.
“Already operational in all INEM emergency departments, the distribution of this tool by 133 Integrated Emergency Medical Services (SIEM) partner organizations, namely fire stations and the Portuguese Red Cross, has significantly improved INEM’s data processing capabilities. “, he claims.
INEM warns people to call 112 immediately if they feel a weak arm, drooping mouth or difficulty speaking.
“The first hours after the onset of stroke symptoms are critical because it is during this period that primary treatments are most effective,” he said in a statement.
For this reason, he adds, “calling 112 and collaborating with CODU specialists is essential to properly assess and refer all patients with suspected stroke.”
Stroke is a sudden neurological deficit caused by ischemia (lack of blood supply) or bleeding in the brain and continues to be one of the leading causes of death in Portugal, as well as a leading cause of morbidity and potential years of life lost overall. .cardiovascular diseases.
To prevent stroke, you need to live a healthy lifestyle, avoid smoking and sedentary lifestyle, and pay special attention to medical conditions such as hypertension, diabetes or cardiac arrhythmias.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
I’m Dave Martin, and I’m an experienced journalist working in the news industry. As a part of my work, I write for 24 News Reporters, covering mostly sports-related topics. With more than 5 years of experience as a journalist, I have written numerous articles on various topics to provide accurate information to readers.