As winter sets in and weather patterns shift dramatically, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases enter a high-risk period. Everyone bears responsibility for recognizing early warning signs of stroke or heart attack and understanding emergency response protocols. Recently, Guangdong Province officially launched its Stroke Emergency Response Map, establishing a "golden hour" emergency network across 186 hospitals. How can you locate the nearest facility swiftly? This knowledge is essential!
38-Year-Old Man Suffers Stroke While Napping in Car
"Stroke Map" Saves His Life
Recently, 38-year-old Mr. Yin couldn't sleep in his office during lunch break, so he returned to his car for a nap. Upon waking, he discovered his right hand had lost strength—he couldn't even zip up his pants—and his gait was unsteady. He urgently asked a colleague to drive him to the nearby Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University (hereafter "Southern Medical University Third Hospital").After questioning him, the emergency department doctor suspected a high likelihood of stroke and immediately consulted a physician from the Stroke Center. Through the stroke green channel, Mr. Yin underwent a one-stop thrombolysis and thrombectomy procedure. He has since recovered.
Strong Man Suffers Sudden Stroke in Afternoon
Emergency Thrombectomy Succeeds Within Half Hour
According to the attending physician, Mr. Yin arrived at the hospital half an hour after symptom onset. At that point, his right lower limb was completely immobile, and he could only utter single words.After a rapid cranial CT scan ruled out intracerebral hemorrhage, the attending physician immediately administered thrombolytic medication while performing a CT angiogram. This revealed occlusion of a major vessel. While continuing thrombolysis, the patient was promptly transferred to the interventional emergency room to initiate the arterial thrombectomy protocol for acute cerebral infarction.
With family consent, Dr. Huang Lijin's neurosurgery team at Southern Medical University Third Affiliated Hospital performed the thrombectomy. After successful removal of the clot, Mr. Yin regained the ability to speak upon waking from anesthesia, and movement gradually returned to his right side. Having narrowly escaped death, he was overcome with emotion and suddenly burst into tears."The doctors saved my life!" Currently, Mr. Yin has regained fine motor function in his hands, can walk normally, and write without difficulty. He is preparing for discharge. Stroke Age "Advancing" Individuals over 45 are advised to undergo cerebral vascular screening. It is understood that Mr. Yin, a manager, leads a busy work life, often sleeps late, has an impatient temperament, and a history of hypertension.
Stroke incidence is increasingly affecting younger individuals. Young professionals pushing themselves too hard—working excessive hours, pulling all-nighters, and enduring high-stress situations—are at heightened risk, particularly those with preexisting cardiovascular issues or family histories of stroke or heart disease.
Huang Lijin recommends that individuals aged 45 and above include cerebrovascular function tests in their annual physical examinations. This helps detect cerebrovascular diseases before symptoms appear. Examples include carotid Doppler ultrasound to check for narrowing or plaque buildup in the carotid arteries, and head and neck magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) for a comprehensive assessment of vascular health.Younger individuals diagnosed with hypertension who frequently stay up late should also undergo annual stroke risk screening. Early detection and intervention of abnormal indicators can prevent stroke occurrence.
When Stroke Symptoms Appear
Timely Rescue is Critical
Symptoms like slurred speech or limb weakness often signal a stroke. Immediately call 120.Huang Lijin explains that the primary goal in treating acute cerebral infarction is to restore blood flow by reopening blocked vessels. The most effective current methods include intravenous thrombolysis within 4.5 hours of symptom onset or endovascular thrombectomy within 24 hours. The sooner the blocked vessel is cleared, the higher the patient's chances of recovery. The optimal window for intervention is often missed while waiting to see if symptoms will subside or disappear, leading to lifelong regret.
How to locate the "Guangdong Stroke Emergency Map"?
Recently, the Guangdong Stroke Emergency Map was released—The province now has 60 advanced stroke centers (including those under development) certified by the National Stroke Prevention Committee. These centers collaborate with regional advanced stroke centers, stroke prevention centers, and hospitals meeting acute stroke treatment standards to form the map's network of 186 participating hospitals. Together, they establish a golden one-hour emergency response zone, striving to achieve the "three one-hour" emergency time windows:pre-hospital transport within 1 hour, and administration of medication within 1 hour of hospital admission. How to access this map?
1. Residents can follow the WeChat official account "Stroke Map," select "Emergency Tools" under the "Emergency Map" section, then click "Select Hospital" to locate nearby stroke treatment facilities.
2. Family members can also use the "Stroke Recognition" feature in the "Emergency Map" to assess a patient. If stroke is suspected, immediately call 120 for emergency assistance.