Brazil Launches August Blue and Red Campaign to Prevent Vascular Diseases and Strokes

The Sociedade Brasileira de Angiologia e Cirurgia Vascular (SBACV) is promoting the August Blue and Red campaign to raise public awareness of vascular diseases, including arterial, venous and lymphatic conditions. Dr. Wanderley de Paula, vascular surgeon at Hospital Evangélico de Vila Velha, stresses that most vascular illnesses can be avoided by controlling blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol, maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking and avoiding prolonged sitting or standing. He advises simple measures such as short walks during work or travel and the use of compression stockings when indicated.

Stroke remains a leading cause of death in Brazil, with official records showing 87,518 fatalities between January 1 and October 13, 2022. Neurologist Diogo Haddad of Hospital Alemão Oswaldo Cruz emphasizes that rapid medical response is critical, as each minute of interrupted blood flow can destroy millions of neurons. He outlines the two main types of stroke—ischemic (about 80% of cases) and hemorrhagic (20%)—and the urgent symptoms that require immediate emergency care. Neurosurgeon Caio Nuto, director of the Sociedade Brasileira de Neurocirurgia, adds that early recognition of sudden neurological changes can save lives and reduce long‑term disability.