Ho Chi Minh city, 29-30 October 2022 – The Scientific Symposium on Stroke was organized by the Ho Chi Minh City Stroke Association (HSA) with the participation of 7 international leading experts and more than 500 local doctors and healthcare professionals. 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 as well as to facilitate the discussion of current challenges, strategies and advancements in stroke prevention in Vietnam. 

Within the framework of the symposium, 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” to provide important information on the use of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOAC) over more than 10 years of clinical practices in Vietnam. The session was chaired by Assoc. Prof Nguyen Huy Thang - Chairman of HSA, Dr. Nguyen Ba Thang, Prof. Hans-Christoph Diener (Germany) and Prof. Bernard Chan (Hong Kong), who are leading experts in stroke research.

Stroke is a devastating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. In Vietnam, more than 200,000 people suffer from a stroke every year¹. 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, affecting the functions controlled by that area of the brain. This may result in severe mobility impairments, paralysis, permanent loss of speech or vision, or even death.

Assoc. Prof. Dr.Nguyen Huy Thang shared: “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 extend, 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.”

Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is an abnormal heart rhythm characterized 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 AF².

Currently, there is no cure for atrial fibrillation. But there are several approaches that 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. 

As a global leading life science company, Bayer is constantly researching and developing innovative medications and new therapeutic approaches that help make a difference to people’s lives. In thrombosis management, the company has developed the first direct oral Factor Xa inhibitor used for the prevention and treatment of life-threatening blood clots.

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 stroke poses to families, community and society, Bayer is working in collaboration 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.”

Understanding that many of 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, fanpage and Youtube channel to provide the local community educational and scientifically accurate information including causes, symptoms, treatment and recommendations on stroke prevention by lifestyle changes as well as treatment compliance.

About World Stroke Day
World Stroke Day is held on 29th October each year. The global awareness day was established by the WSO and provides a global platform for the stroke community to increase awareness and drive action on stroke episodes around the world. With a continued focus on the importance of knowing the signs of stroke and the power of saving #PreciousTime, World Stroke Day 2022 will build on the momentum of last year’s Minutes Can Save Lives campaign.

About Bayer
Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of healthcare and nutrition. Its products and services are designed to help people and the planet thrive by supporting efforts to master the major challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. Bayer is committed to driving sustainable development and generating a positive impact with its businesses. At the same time, the Group aims to increase its earning power and create value through innovation and growth. The Bayer brand stands for trust, reliability and quality throughout the world. In fiscal 2021, the Group employed around 100,000 people and had sales of 44.1 billion euros. R&D expenses before special items amounted to 5.3 billion euros. For more information, please go to www.bayer.com.

^{1 https://dotquy.kcb.vn/hieu-dung-ve-dot-quy/tu-vong-do-dot-quy-o-nguoi-tre-tuoi-ngay-cang-gia-tang.html
2 https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0168010}

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