Bucaramanga: A Latin American Reference in the Care of Patients with Stroke (CVA)

• The Stroke Center of Excellence at the Hospital Internacional de Colombia (HIC) has received Diamond certification from the Angels Initiative in alliance with the World Stroke Organization (WSO), positioning itself as one of the most capable centers in Latin America.

• Every year, according to the WSO, it is estimated that around 12.2 million people worldwide suffer a stroke (CVA). Additionally, CVA causes approximately 6.5 million deaths annually, making it one of the leading causes of disability and mortality globally.

• The hospital offers an air ambulance service for critical patients both nationally and internationally, and it counts on an International Office to support foreign patients with a bilingual team in all necessary areas.

Bucaramanga, July 2024. The Stroke Center of Excellence at the Hospital Internacional de Colombia (HIC) has received Diamond category recognition from the Angels Initiative, in alliance with the World Stroke Organization (WSO), an international organization that sets and monitors standards and practices in the management of this disease.

This recognition, representing the highest level in standards and practices evaluation in stroke management, highlights HIC's commitment to the care of these patients, The WSO's recognition categories, in ascending sequence. Include stroke-ready, gold, platinum, and finally, diamond. Additionally, the Center has just received recertification from the Joint Commission International (JCI), the world authority on health centers and services certification.

Dr. Tony Fabián Álvarez, leader of the HIC Stroke Center of Excellence, states, "This award highlights us in the care of stroke patients and cerebrovascular diseases in general, ensuring that all actions and care are based on the best available evidence." Furthermore, it positions the institution as one of the most effective in Latin America in the care and treatment of patients with cerebrovascular disease.

Currently, the Center, created in 2021, has an intervention protocol that is activated immediately when a patient is suspected of having a stroke, ensuring a quick response from the professionals involved. Additionally, the Center of Excellence leader adds that they operate a 24-hour lifeline that offers immediate attention to emergency calls to guide the patient according to the symptoms and needs they may have, this line facilitates pre-notification to the Center of Excellence, allowing everything to be ready for immediate and specialized care upon the patient's arrival at the emergency service.

Natalia Martínez, a professional from the Angels Colombia team, explains that during a follow-up of the Center of Excellence, she found a large number of strengths that led to this certification. "They are consistent, always attentive to improvements, to what they need to achieve shortly so patient care is fulfilled. And that is why they receive the highest award granted by the World Stroke Organization (WSO)."

What You Need to Know About CVA

A cerebrovascular accident or stroke is a medical emergency that constitutes the second leading cause of death in many Latin American countries and worldwide. Additionally, it is one of the leading causes of disability in adults. Every year, according to the WSO, it is estimated that around 12.2 million people worldwide suffer a Stroke (CVA). Additionally, CVA causes approximately 6.5 million deaths annually, making it one of the leading causes of disability and mortality globally. In 2023, the HIC treated around 700 patients with ischemic or hemorrhagic strokes, and so far in 2024, more than 200 have been treated for this condition.

Symptoms can appear suddenly—especially in people with conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, or vascular diseases—and include sudden loss of strength or sensation in the face, arms, or legs. Difficulties in speaking or understanding language, sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, severe dizziness with loss of balance and/or coordination, and severe headaches that appear quickly can also occur.

The hospital offers an air ambulance service for critical patients both nationally and internationally, and it has an International Office to support foreign patients with a bilingual team in all necessary areas.