Held to mark World Stroke Day, the event offered a great opportunity for the medical community to share the latest updates and best practices in the field of stroke treatment and to facilitate the discussion of current challenges, strategies and advancements for stroke prevention in Vietnam.

The Scientific Symposium on Stroke was organised by the HSA with the participation of seven international leading experts and more than 500 local doctors and healthcare professionals

During the event, Bayer Vietnam accompanied the Ho Chi Minh City Stroke Association (HSA) in conducting an expert roundtable discussion about anticoagulation for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation. The session was chaired by Assoc. Prof Nguyen Huy Thang, chairman of the HSA, Dr. Nguyen Ba Thang, Prof. Hans-Christoph Diener (Germany) and Prof. Bernard Chan (Hong Kong).

Stroke is a devastating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. In Vietnam, more than 200,000 people suffer from a stroke every year. It happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off. Without rapid intervention, the affected brain cells risk becoming damaged and, in the worst-case scenario, can even die.

Assoc. Prof. Thang said, “Stroke is becoming the most common cause of fatality, ahead of cardiovascular diseases, in many countries, including China and Vietnam. Fortunately, it is, to some extent, preventable by closely monitoring health risk factors; managing blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol in a healthy range; having a healthy diet and lifestyle, and especially receiving necessary treatment if atrial fibrillation is detected.”

“It is important for doctors and patients to discuss all available treatment options to ensure the patient receives the best medication. Once these factors are controlled, the risk of stroke can be reduced significantly,” he added.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an abnormal heart rhythm characterised by rapid and irregular beating of the atria. AF can lead to blood clots and if a clot breaks off, enters the bloodstream and lodges in an artery leading to the brain, a stroke results. Patients with AF face a five-fold increased risk of stroke compared with those without AF.

Currently, there is no cure for atrial fibrillation. But several approaches can slow or prevent symptoms, making it easier for patients to manage the condition. Different medicines have been developed that inhibit clot formation in patients with AF, hence reducing embolic complications of the disease, including stroke.

Bayer Vietnam accompanied the HSA in conducting an expert roundtable discussion with topic “Anticoagulation for stroke prevention in patients with Atrial Fibrillation: From Research to Clinical Practice”

Ingo Brandenberg, general director of Bayer Vietnam shared, “At Bayer, we are proud of our heritage in providing new treatment options for patients suffering from heart and blood conditions. Aiming at reducing the burden that strokes pose to families, communities and society, Bayer is working together with leading scientific, academic and industry partners to improve our understanding of cardiovascular diseases and find innovative approaches for patients."

“In addition, we call for the active participation of patients and their families in stroke prevention and treatment, as it is a key factor in improving patient and treatment outcomes,” said Brandenberg.

Understanding that many diseases and their often life-threatening consequences could be avoided by effective preventive measures and timely treatments, Bayer strives to raise public awareness and drives action on stroke through a wide range of activities worldwide.

In 2021, the company joined forces with the Vietnam Administration Medical Service to develop a digital multi-platform portal named “Stroke”, which includes a website, fan page and YouTube channel to provide the local community with educational and scientifically accurate information, including causes, symptoms, treatment, and recommendations on stroke prevention through lifestyle changes and treatment.