The number of stroke patients, particularly those under 50, soared at Bach Mai Hospital in Hanoi during the Lunar New Year holiday (Tet), which spanned from January 25 to February 2.

The hospital’s Stroke Center admitted a 46-year-old man in critical condition on the 29th day of the lunar December, or January 28.

He suffered from paralysis on one side of his body and difficulty speaking. 

The patient had a history of high blood pressure but had been inconsistent in taking his medication.

After having lunch and drinking alcohol the same day, the patient began to experience speech difficulties and left-side paralysis. 

Imaging tests revealed brain hemorrhage, with the patient’s condition worsening, raising concerns about potential complications. 

After five to six days of intensive treatment, the patient’s muscle strength gradually improved.

Dr. Nguyen Minh Anh at Bach Mai Hospital revealed that the hospital admitted a 46-year-old male patient suffering a stroke on the 29th day of the lunar December 2024. Photo: Supplied

Dr. Nguyen Minh Anh from the Bach Mai Hospital Stroke Center said that there had been a sharp rise in stroke admissions during the holiday and the first days after returning to work. 

The doctor stressed that the number of stroke cases increased by 30-40 percent compared to usual days.

Dr. Anh said the number of stroke patients under 50 years old had surged, making up almost half of the total cases.

The doctor attributed this rise primarily to young people’s tendency to neglect regular health check-ups, often believing that they are not at risk for conditions such as hypertension or diabetes. 

Many also have unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as frequent alcohol consumption, eating fast food, and regularly consuming fried foods.

Moreover, the younger generation is increasingly using stimulants, methamphetamine, cannabis, and e-cigarettes, which contribute to the spike in stroke cases.

Statistics indicated that between January 25 and February 3, Bach Mai Hospital recorded 3,703 outpatient and emergency visits, with 2,395 cases requiring emergency treatment. Among them were 566 stroke cases.

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