The news that beloved rapper and entrepreneur Da Les has suffered a stroke, sent shockwaves through the South African music industry.
Known for his energetic beats and infectious hip-hop music, Da Les was hospitalised after experiencing a sudden and unexpected stroke crisis at his home on Friday, July 26 2024.
As his family rallies around him, they have released a heartfelt statement calling on fans and loved ones to keep Da Les in their thoughts and prayers during this challenging time.
“While he is in a stable condition, this remains a challenging time for his loved ones,” the family shared in their statement.
They have also called on the public to keep Da Les in their thoughts and prayers as they navigate this difficult period.
The family further promises to provide updates on Da Les’ condition as they become available.
What causes strokes?
Dr Thabani Dlamini from Durban in KwaZulu-Natal describes stroke as having a disturbance in the brain due to decreased blood (and oxygen), causing neurological problems such as one-sided body weakness and being unable to see, talk, or even walk.
“Stroke is caused mostly by ischemia, which is usually when there’s reduced blood rich in oxygen to the brain due to blockage of blood from the blood vessels supplying the brain.”
Dr Thabani Dlamini
Dlamini explains that hypertension (high blood pressure) is considered the most modifiable risk factor for stroke. Risk factors for hypertension are diet (salty food), obesity, lack of exercise, alcohol, and old age.
“Other risk factors for stroke are lifestyle (diet, lack of exercise, alcohol, smoking, drugs such as cocaine), birth control pills (with oestrogen), sugar diabetes, and heart problems.”
He emphasises the importance of recognising when someone is having a stroke and to call for help as soon as possible because, as time proceeds, there’s more damage to the brain.
“Time is important because some interventions that we have to do rely on time; signs like FAST (facial weakness, arm weakness, speech disturbances, time to call an ambulance) are easy tools to remember,” he says.
“Signs such as someone suddenly having difficulty speaking, facial paralysis, a hanging tongue, or suddenly being unable to see are also suggestive of a possible stroke,” says Dlamini.
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Risks are high
Dlamini further advises that the best things to do to prevent stroke are exercise, a good diet, consultations, especially for people who are obese, minimising alcohol, and following up with your doctor or hospital if you have heart problems.
According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of South Africa, 10 people suffer a stroke in South Africa every hour.
Additionally, they state that strokes become more likely with age, with women being slightly protected against strokes before menopause, but then their risk increases afterwards.
“Rare forms of inherited high cholesterol, blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm, or clotting disorders can increase the risk of strokes,” states the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
“If your father or brother suffered heart disease or a stroke before the age of 55, or your mother or sister before 65 years, then you could also be at increased risk of heart diseases or strokes.”
ALSO READ: Reduce your risk of a stroke before it’s too late
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