Are you at risk of having a stroke?

A stroke happens when there is a blocked blood vessel that causes a sudden interruption of blood supply to your brain. The signs and symptoms vary depending on which part of the brain becomes affected.

The chances of having a stroke increase with age, especially in males or those who have a family history of stroke. While these factors are not in our control, there are lifestyle factors that you can control, and should watch out for.

Changi General Hospital lists the following risk factors that can help you assess and understand the risks you might be facing.

1. Smokers are 1.5 to 2.5 times more likely to suffer a stroke
2. Almost as high as the risk for smokers, diabetic patients are 1.5 times more likely to suffer a stroke
3. Hypertension increases the risk by up to four times if left untreated.
4. Excessive cholesterol intake can lead to blockage of blood vessels.
5. Having an irregular heartbeat can mean a 60% to 80% risk.
6. A history of stroke increases the risk of having one within the same year by 10% to 12%.
7. Excessive alcohol can lead to a stroke.
8. Excessive body fat is associated with other risk factors listed above.
9. Substance abuse can increase blood pressure that contributes to stroke risk.

Now that you know the risk factors, the next step is to take charge of your health by improving your lifestyle where necessary. Whether you take drastic measures or take it one step at a time, what matters is your awareness and willingness to take action.

Anyone can be at risk, but everyone has a choice in pursuing ways to safeguard their health and reduce the risk of having a stroke.

We are never ready, but we can be prepared

While the preventive tips above can help lower your risk, it is also worth having an insurance plan that covers you for stroke.

A stroke can cause significant financial distress. Like other critical illnesses such as cancer and heart attack, a stroke can cause up to 31% loss in earnings due to the inability to work during the recovery period. Having suitable insurance coverage can provide you the financial protection you need, should trouble strike suddenly.

FWD’s Stroke insurance offers coverage for stroke – one of the top critical illnesses in Singapore for which claims are made:

• Get S$50,000 of coverage from as low as S$8/month*
• Available coverage for one year with a guaranteed option to renew up to age 85
• A death benefit lump sum of S$5,000
• Coverage options of S$100,000 and S$200,000 are available

You can also consider enhancing your FWD Stroke insurance with a Neurological Disorder rider that covers an additional 11 conditions and procedures^.

Find out more about how you can get financial protection with FWD’s Stroke insurance.