Last year, INEM referred 8,796 patients with suspected stroke to the most appropriate hospitals, through the Via Verde do AVC, 1,920 more than in 2022, representing an average of 24 cases per day.
The Lisbon district recorded the highest number of referred cases, 1,665 patients, followed by Porto and Setúbal, with 1,639 and 640 cases, respectively, reveal data from the National Institute of Medical Emergency (INEM) released this Friday in connection with National Stroke Patient Day, which is celebrated on March 31st.
The average age of patients treated through Via Verde do AVC was 73.9 years, says INEM, adding that, of the total cases registered last year, 50% were women and 50% men.
The data points to a growing increase in the number of cases referred since 2019, the year in which 4,415 patients were transported by INEM. This number rose to 4,939 in 2020, to 5,816 in 2021, to 6,876 in 2022 and to 8,796 in 2023.
INEM points out that this increase “does not necessarily imply an increase in the incidence of this disease, and may be justified by greater awareness of the importance of early contact with 112 or the SNS24 Health Line (808 24 24 24), leading to an increase in situations of suspected stroke in which INEM intervenes”.
Another explanation given by the institute for this increase lies in the greater number of registrations compared to previous years, carried out through the iTEAMS computer platform (INEM Tool for Emergency Alert Medical System).
“Already in operation in all of INEM’s medical emergency facilities, the dissemination of this tool by 133 partner entities of the Integrated Medical Emergency System (SIEM), namely fire departments and the Portuguese Red Cross, has made it possible to significantly improve treatment capacity of data by INEM”, he maintains.
INEM warns people to call 112 immediately if they feel a lack of strength in an arm, a mouth at the side or difficulty speaking.
“The first hours after the onset of stroke symptoms are essential, as it is in this time window that the main treatments are most effective”, he highlights in a statement.
For this reason, he adds, “calling 112 and collaborating with professionals at the Urgent Patient Guidance Center (CODU) is essential for correct screening and referral of all suspected stroke situations.”
Stroke is a sudden neurological deficit, caused by ischemia (blood supply deficiency) or hemorrhage in the brain and continues to be one of the main causes of death in Portugal, and is also the main cause of morbidity and potential years of life lost overall. of cardiovascular diseases.
To prevent stroke, healthy lifestyle habits must be adopted, avoiding tobacco and a sedentary lifestyle and paying special attention to diseases such as hypertension, diabetes or cardiac arrhythmias.
