Better education is needed in China so the symptoms of a stroke are recognized. Otherwise, many patients miss out prevention and treatment because vital signs are missed that could save their lives. Wang Hongyi speaks to experts in Shanghai.

Being more aware of the risks and symptoms of strokes will help prevent fatalities. Gong bo / Asia News Photo

The incidences of strokes in Western countries are relatively well controlled, thanks to informed efforts by government, medical and social organizations, according to Yang Guoyuan, a professor from Med-X Research Institute of Shanghai Jiao Tong University. But not so in China. The Chinese are still vague about what stroke really is, and they often fail to recognize the early signs due to a lack of awareness and the absence of proper public education.

"In China, many people still have no idea what a stroke is, and don't recognize the early signs. Consequently, they delay treatment," Yang says.

Strokes happen when the blood supply to the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures. Loss of blood supply to the brain leads to a loss of oxygen and brains cells become damaged and die.

As a result, parts of the brain can no longer function and may leave the victim with a permanent disability, such as loss of vision or speech, paralysis and confusion.

Worldwide, stroke is the second leading cause of death among those aged 60 or over. It is one of the most common causes of disability. Each year, around 15 million people suffer strokes, and more than 5 million will die and another 5 million are left permanently disabled, according to the World Health Organization.

Over the last decades, China has become increasingly prosperous, lengthening life expectancies. This, and an aging population, means the incidences of stroke are rising.

"Increasingly unhealthy lifestyles, high pressure at work and hypertension are the important risk factors for stroke. We are seeing a shift in the disease profile that is getting much more similar to that in developed countries. The number of stroke victims is also on the rise," Yang says.

About 2 million people suffer strokes every year in China in reported cases. Statistics show that there is a stroke patient every five minutes. At present, the country has more than 7 million patients living with varying degrees of disability, which had resulted from a stroke.