Stroke: Recognize the Risks, Save Lives

To mark World Stroke Day on October 29, experts from the Medical Center – University of Freiburg will provide information on warning signs, treatment, and prevention options

Sudden paralysis, speech or vision problems: A stroke can change a person’s life in a matter of seconds. About 270,000 people in Germany are affected each year. Stroke is one of the most common causes of permanent disability in adulthood. Yet many strokes can be prevented through a healthy lifestyle and the management of risk factors. To mark World Stroke Day on October 29, experts from the Medical Center – University of Freiburg explain how to reduce the risk.

“A stroke can affect people of any age. The key is to recognize the warning signs and act immediately. The sooner treatment begins, the greater the chances of avoiding permanent damage. If you experience sudden paralysis, speech difficulties, or vision problems, dial 112 immediately—even if the symptoms go away,” says PD Dr. Andrea Dreßing, senior physician in the Department of Neurology and Neuroscience and medical director of the Stroke Unit at the Medical Center – University of Freiburg. “Many strokes can be prevented by identifying risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and atrial fibrillation early on and treating them consistently. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and not smoking can also significantly reduce the risk of stroke,” emphasizes Dreßing.

Specialized Care in the Stroke Unit

In the certified stroke unit at the Medical Center – University of Freiburg, patients are cared for by a specialized team of physicians, nurses, and therapists. Sixteen monitored beds allow for continuous monitoring of vital signs. At the same time, the causes of the stroke are investigated, and rehabilitation measures are initiated early on. 

High Blood Pressure as a Major Risk Factor

In addition to smoking, diabetes, and physical inactivity, persistently elevated blood pressure is one of the modifiable risk factors for strokes. This is because when blood constantly flows through the blood vessels at too high a pressure, their walls become damaged. As a result, blood vessels in the brain can more easily become blocked or rupture, triggering a stroke. Since high blood pressure often causes no symptoms for years, regular checkups are particularly important.

“High blood pressure is easily treatable if it is detected early and managed with personalized therapy,” says Dr. Elias Noory, director of the Hypertension Center at the Department of Cardiology and Angiology at the Medical Center – University of Freiburg. “A specialized evaluation is particularly important if blood pressure remains persistently elevated despite medication.”

The certified Hypertension Center at the Medical Center – University of Freiburg specializes in the comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of difficult-to-control high blood pressure. Especially for patients whose blood pressure remains persistently elevated despite multiple medications, the experts investigate possible causes and develop a personalized treatment plan. In addition to medication, special catheter procedures are also available for selected patients. In a procedure known as renal denervation, nerves along the renal arteries—which play a role in regulating blood pressure—are specifically targeted for treatment. The Center for Renal Denervation at the Medical Center – University of Freiburg, also directed by Noory, has been certified by the German Society of Cardiology (DGK) since 2023. The goal is to improve blood pressure levels over the long term and reduce the risk of complications such as heart attack and stroke.