INEM referred around 24 patients per day with suspected stroke in 2023

The National Institute of Medical Emergency (INEM), in 2023, referred 8,796 patients suspected of having a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) to the most appropriate hospitals, through the Via Verde do AVC. Between 2022 and 2023 there was an increase of 1,920 cases, representing an average of 24 cases daily.

According to data released by INEM, in connection with National Stroke Patient Day, which is celebrated on March 31st, the Lisbon district was the one that recorded the highest number of referred cases (1,665 patients), followed by Porto and Setúbal, (with 1,639 and 640 cases, respectively.

INEM states that the average age of patients treated through Via Verde do AVC was 73.9 years, and of the total cases registered in 2023, 50% were women and 50% men.

The data reveals a growing increase in the number of cases referred, since 2019, the year in which 4,415 patients were transported by INEM. This number increased to 4,939 in 2020, to 5,816 in 2021, to 6,876 in 2022 and to 8,796 in 2023.

INEM reinforces that this increase, “does not necessarily imply an increase in the incidence of this disease, and can 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 of suspected stroke situations in which INEM intervenes”.

Another hypothesis given by the institute, to justify this increase, involves 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 INEM 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 significantly improved treatment capacity. of data by INEM”, states the medical emergency entity.

INEM calls on people to immediately contact 112 if they feel a lack of strength in one arm, a weak mouth or difficulty speaking.

The note emphasizes that “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”.

“Dialing 112 and collaborating with professionals at the Urgent Patient Guidance Center (CODU) is essential for correct screening and referral of all suspected stroke situations”, he adds.

Stroke is a sudden neurological deficit, caused by ischemia (deficiency of blood supply) or hemorrhage in the brain, and remains 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.