Indians at high stroke risk
A major new study delving into the prevalence of stroke among the Indian community in New Zealand is underway.
The study is of particular importance to the Indian community as most important stroke risk factors appear to be very prevalent in persons of Indian origin, making them more vulnerable to the risk of stroke, says one of its senior researchers.
Led by Professor Valery Feigin, the Auckland Regional Community Stroke Study (ARCOS IV) is a world class study taking place in Auckland this year. The study comprises a large team involving medical and research staff from AUT University, other tertiary institutes and all major hospitals in Auckland.
The study, funded by the Health Research Council of NZ, is the fourth of a series of previous ARCOS studies which aims to find all cases of stroke in Auckland and explore in-depth all the relevant medical information leading up to the stroke, during hospitalisation and up to a year after stroke.
Project co-ordinator and researcher Dr Rita Krishnamurthi said the study was of importance to the Indian community as most key stroke risk factors appeared to be prevalent in people of Indian origin, making them vulnerable to this debilitating condition.
“These risk factors include high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol. Most importantly, many of these risk factors are modifiable through simple diet and lifestyle changes,” Dr Krishnamurthi said.
“Public awareness of the importance these risk factors and ways of reducing the risk of stroke need to be increased, particularly in the Indian community.”
Within the ARCOS study, Dr Krishnamurthi hopes to tease out firstly just how high the burden of stroke is in the Indian community compared with other ethnic groups in Auckland.
Secondly, with the help of stroke patients and their families, she would like to gather in-depth information on whether the Indian population may be at a higher risk of stroke than for example the New Zealand European population.
Dr Krishnamurthi said previous AROCS studies showed that of the total number of stroke cases identified, 9 per cent were Asians/other (including Indians) compared with 16 per cent Pacific Islanders/ Maori and 75 per cent New Zealand Europeans.
“Most of us know someone who has had a stroke, be that a family member or friend. But just how to reduce our risk of stroke or how to best manage if you or a family member has one is a big issue.
“Stroke is a common cause of disability and death in New Zealand but the general awareness of stroke and the signs and symptoms of stroke is not high as that of heart disease.
“Both the risk of death from stroke and the extent of long-term disability in stroke survivors are often underestimated as well.”
Dr Krishnamurthi, of Fiji-Indian origin, is particularly interested in exploring the apparent high rate of stroke in the Indian community.
For the study to achieve its full potential, the ARCOS research team needs the support of patients who have had a stroke and their families as well as the wider community.
“Our researchers may approach stroke patients in the hospital for permission include them in the ARCOS study,” Dr Krishnamurthi said.
“Where possible, interpreters will also be available for those who don’t speak English. It is important that this information is gathered from as many people possible for the research data to be robust and reliable. This information will in turn be passed onto decision and policy makers and may have an important impact in the stroke prevention, treatment and management in future.”
The important “take-home” message to readers was that stroke was a common cause of death and disability but was preventable. Keeping yourselves and your families informed about stroke was an important first-step, she said.
A simple way to recognise the symptoms of stroke is to remember F.A.S.T:
Face: Smile- is one side drooping?
Arms: Raise both arms- is one side weak?
Speech: Speak- unable to? Words jumbled, slurred?
Time: Act fast and call 111. Time lost may mean brain lost.
For more on the study, please contact the ARCOS team on 0800 MY STROKE (69787653) or email Dr Krishnamurthi on rita.krishnamurthi@aut.ac.nz
A major new study delving into the prevalence of stroke among the Indian community in New Zealand is underway.
The study is of particular importance to the Indian community as most important stroke risk factors appear to be very prevalent in persons of Indian origin, making them more vulnerable...
A major new study delving into the prevalence of stroke among the Indian community in New Zealand is underway.
The study is of particular importance to the Indian community as most important stroke risk factors appear to be very prevalent in persons of Indian origin, making them more vulnerable to the risk of stroke, says one of its senior researchers.
Led by Professor Valery Feigin, the Auckland Regional Community Stroke Study (ARCOS IV) is a world class study taking place in Auckland this year. The study comprises a large team involving medical and research staff from AUT University, other tertiary institutes and all major hospitals in Auckland.
The study, funded by the Health Research Council of NZ, is the fourth of a series of previous ARCOS studies which aims to find all cases of stroke in Auckland and explore in-depth all the relevant medical information leading up to the stroke, during hospitalisation and up to a year after stroke.
Project co-ordinator and researcher Dr Rita Krishnamurthi said the study was of importance to the Indian community as most key stroke risk factors appeared to be prevalent in people of Indian origin, making them vulnerable to this debilitating condition.
“These risk factors include high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol. Most importantly, many of these risk factors are modifiable through simple diet and lifestyle changes,” Dr Krishnamurthi said.
“Public awareness of the importance these risk factors and ways of reducing the risk of stroke need to be increased, particularly in the Indian community.”
Within the ARCOS study, Dr Krishnamurthi hopes to tease out firstly just how high the burden of stroke is in the Indian community compared with other ethnic groups in Auckland.
Secondly, with the help of stroke patients and their families, she would like to gather in-depth information on whether the Indian population may be at a higher risk of stroke than for example the New Zealand European population.
Dr Krishnamurthi said previous AROCS studies showed that of the total number of stroke cases identified, 9 per cent were Asians/other (including Indians) compared with 16 per cent Pacific Islanders/ Maori and 75 per cent New Zealand Europeans.
“Most of us know someone who has had a stroke, be that a family member or friend. But just how to reduce our risk of stroke or how to best manage if you or a family member has one is a big issue.
“Stroke is a common cause of disability and death in New Zealand but the general awareness of stroke and the signs and symptoms of stroke is not high as that of heart disease.
“Both the risk of death from stroke and the extent of long-term disability in stroke survivors are often underestimated as well.”
Dr Krishnamurthi, of Fiji-Indian origin, is particularly interested in exploring the apparent high rate of stroke in the Indian community.
For the study to achieve its full potential, the ARCOS research team needs the support of patients who have had a stroke and their families as well as the wider community.
“Our researchers may approach stroke patients in the hospital for permission include them in the ARCOS study,” Dr Krishnamurthi said.
“Where possible, interpreters will also be available for those who don’t speak English. It is important that this information is gathered from as many people possible for the research data to be robust and reliable. This information will in turn be passed onto decision and policy makers and may have an important impact in the stroke prevention, treatment and management in future.”
The important “take-home” message to readers was that stroke was a common cause of death and disability but was preventable. Keeping yourselves and your families informed about stroke was an important first-step, she said.
A simple way to recognise the symptoms of stroke is to remember F.A.S.T:
Face: Smile- is one side drooping?
Arms: Raise both arms- is one side weak?
Speech: Speak- unable to? Words jumbled, slurred?
Time: Act fast and call 111. Time lost may mean brain lost.
For more on the study, please contact the ARCOS team on 0800 MY STROKE (69787653) or email Dr Krishnamurthi on rita.krishnamurthi@aut.ac.nz
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