One in seven stroke patients in India is younger than 45 years of age, a new study conducted by the National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research has revealed. Led by Dr. Prashant Mathur of ICMR, along with investigators of the National Stroke Registry Programme, the study says that around two in five reach hospital more than 24 hours after the onset of symptoms, and three months later, more than half either die or suffer significant disability.

The findings mostly come from India’s largest hospital-based stroke registry analysis, published in theInternational Journal of Stroke.

According to researchers, the analysis reviewed nearly 35,000 stroke cases that were recorded across 30 hospitals between 2020 and 2022, providing one of the most detailed national snapshots of stroke patterns, treatment gaps, and outcomes. The average age of patients was 59.4 years, but 13.8 per cent were under 45, underlining the growing burden of stroke among younger Indians.

More than 60 per cent of the patients were men, and 72.1 per cent came from rural areas, reflecting disparities in awareness, prevention, and access to timely care. Hypertension was present in 74.5 per cent of patients, making it the dominant risk factor. Diabetes affected 27.3 per cent, while smokeless tobacco use affected 28.5 per cent.

According to experts, while cardiac issues are well-known reasons behind increasing stroke cases, newer risk factors like sleep apnea and air pollution have also emerged. “Obstructive sleep apnea, where individuals experience poor-quality sleep due to repeated breathing interruptions at night, has been linked to a higher stroke risk. Additionally, air pollution is now recognized to directly and indirectly increase the likelihood of stroke,” said Dr. Arjun Shah, Consultant Neurologist/Neurophysician, Saifee Hospital.

“Lifestyle-related factors are equally important. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are well-established risk factors. Obesity, particularly central obesity, further elevates the risk. Increasing levels of stress and other psychological factors may also indirectly contribute to stroke,” Dr. Shah added.

Sleep apnea and air pollution are major risk factors for early stroke among young people

According to doctors, strokes in young people are highly preventable, and for that, the top thing they should do is screening.

“Screening for blood pressure, blood sugar, and lipids should begin early in adulthood. Regular physical activity, weight control, tobacco cessation, moderation of alcohol, and stress management can significantly reduce risk. Equally important is recognising stroke warning signs - sudden weakness, speech difficulty, facial droop - and reaching a stroke-ready hospital immediately,” said Dr. Aashka Ponda, Consultant Neurologist, Bhailal Amin General Hospital.

“Preventing stroke in the young must now be a public health priority in India,” she added.

Source: India Latest News, Breaking News Today, Top News Headlines | Times Now