Until recently, it was believed that stroke was a problem that affected only those above the age of 60 or 65, but according to a study conducted by the Public Health Foundation of India, IIPH Hyderabad, the prevalence of stroke in younger individuals is extremely high in India (18 – 32 percent of all stroke cases). Furthermore, the study revealed that about 10 – 15 percent of strokes occur in people below the age of 40. The study also found that men are more likely to have a stroke than women. A massive stroke can be fatal, but it's also the major cause of disability.
What’s astonishing is that the incidence of stroke is on the decline in the West, but it is rising in India. “This is because people in their 30s and 40s now suffer from problems like hypertension, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and drinking and smoking addictions," says Dr. P. N. Renjen, senior consultant, neurology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital.
So, what exactly is a stroke?
Gundeep Singh, occupational and neuro therapist, AktivOrtho explains, "Stroke, also known as a Cerebro Vascular Accident (CVA), occurs when the blood flow to the brain is interrupted, resulting in a sudden loss of neurological function. This can lead to a range of deficits, which include changes in the level of consciousness as well as impairment of the motor, cognitive, sensory, perceptual and language functions. In order for the condition to be classified as a stroke, these neurological deficits must persist for at least 24 hours."
What are some of the symptoms of strokes?
"Stroke victims are more prone to mental issues, and the symptoms include anxiety, irritability, agitation, uncontrollable crying, apathy, delusions and hallucinations," adds Delhi-based Vikas Tripathi, AVP, VIVO Healthcare.
What are the types of strokes?
There are broadly two types of strokes: ischemic strokes and hemorrhagic strokes. While the former is caused by an interruption in the blood supply, the latter is caused by the rupture of a blood vessel or an abnormal vascular structure. Almost 87 percent of strokes are ischemic strokes, and the remaining 13 percent are caused by haemorrhage.
Primary factors that lead to stroke in India
• Obesity: Up to 49 percent
• Smoking: Up to 46 percent (in men)
• Hypertension: Up to 40 percent
• High cholesterol: Up to 32 percent
• Alcohol consumption: Up to 22 percent
• Heart disease: Up to 12 percent
• Diabetes: Up to 12 percent
• Family history of stroke: 8 percent
• Smoking: Up to 46 percent (in men)
• Hypertension: Up to 40 percent
• High cholesterol: Up to 32 percent
• Alcohol consumption: Up to 22 percent
• Heart disease: Up to 12 percent
• Diabetes: Up to 12 percent
• Family history of stroke: 8 percent
Critical signs of a stroke to watch out for:
• Sudden, severe headache with an unknown cause
• Sudden numbness, weakness or paralysis of the face, arm or leg, on one side of the body
• Sudden dimness or loss of vision, particularly in one eye
• Dizziness, loss of balance or a staggering walk
• Slurred speech or inability to talk
• Abrupt loss of consciousness
• Sudden numbness, weakness or paralysis of the face, arm or leg, on one side of the body
• Sudden dimness or loss of vision, particularly in one eye
• Dizziness, loss of balance or a staggering walk
• Slurred speech or inability to talk
• Abrupt loss of consciousness
What typically happens is that many people with these symptoms wait to see if the symptoms will go away on their own. "They show up at the hospital 12 to 24 hours later, which makes the matter worse," shares Dr. Seemant Chaturvedi, a neurologist at Wayne State.
Is being physically active enough to prevent a stroke?
If you think that being physically active means you won’t have a stroke, you need to get your facts right. "Being physically active definitely helps, but it cannot prevent the risk completely. The risk of stroke has a lot to do with your diet and your lifestyle in general," says Delhi-based Dr. Atul N.C. Peters, Director of the Institute of Bariatric, Metabolic and Minimal Access Surgery, Fortis Hospital. In a nutshell, excessive smoking, drinking, a sedentary lifestyle, lack of exercise, unhealthy food habits, hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, obesity and persistently high stress both at work and home all contribute to the risk of having a stroke. On top of that, having a family history of stroke raises your risk of having one as well.
Eating right is an important part of preventing strokes.
Chandigarh-based nutritionist, Mansi Chatrath says that one of the prime causes of an early stroke is the so-called 'cafeteria diet' which is rich in calories, sugar and salt. "This practically creates a time bomb of health problems, which can explode at any time." When it comes to junk food, almost all processed and packaged foods can be included in this category. Most of these items contain unhealthy amounts of fat, sugar and salt. Snacks and other preparations with lots of sugar, salt and oil should also be avoided. It is best to eat fresh food items especially whole grains, fruits and vegetables. "It is also recommended that people drink at least 8 – 10 glasses of water a day, as it helps flush toxins out of the system," says Chatrath.