Srinagar, Oct 29 (KNO): Doctors on Thursday cautioned that stroke is increasingly affecting younger people, warning that changing lifestyles, uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes, smoking, obesity and physical inactivity are contributing to the growing burden of the condition.
On World Stroke Day, they said that many strokes can be prevented through timely identification and management of risk factors, regular health check-ups and healthier lifestyle choices, while emphasising that recognising warning signs and seeking immediate medical attention can significantly improve outcomes.
Doctors said stroke, which occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted or when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, can lead to serious complications, including paralysis, speech difficulties, cognitive impairment and, in severe cases, death.
Although stroke has traditionally been associated with older people, an increasing number of younger individuals are also at risk, making awareness about preventive measures and early symptoms particularly important.
Dr Syed Maqbool, a cardiologist at Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu, speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said changing lifestyle patterns have emerged as a major contributor to the increasing risk of stroke among younger people. "Stroke is increasingly affecting younger people, and our changing lifestyle is a major contributor. Uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes, smoking, obesity, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity and chronic stress are silently increasing the risk," he said.
He said the growing burden of stroke was a matter of concern, particularly because many such incidents could be prevented through timely intervention and better management of underlying health conditions. "The real concern is not just the rising burden of stroke, but our failure to prevent many of these devastating events," he said.
Stating that stroke should not always be viewed as an unavoidable medical emergency, he said, "Most importantly, stroke is not always inevitable. Early detection and control of risk factors can prevent many strokes. Prevention saves lives. Early recognition saves the brain. Every minute matters."
The cardiologist advised people to pay particular attention to blood pressure, blood sugar levels, body weight and daily physical activity instead of waiting for symptoms to develop, and that adopting a balanced diet, avoiding tobacco, maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in regular exercise can help reduce cardiovascular risks and, in turn, lower the risk of stroke.
Dr Showkat Ahmad Shah, a cardiologist at GMC Anantnag, said protecting cardiovascular health was essential for reducing the risk of stroke, as several major risk factors affect both the heart and the brain. "On World Stroke Day, my message as a cardiologist is simple: protecting your heart also protects your brain. The growing burden of stroke is linked to uncontrolled blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, obesity and lack of physical activity, alongside an ageing population," he said.
He said hypertension was particularly concerning because it often develops without noticeable symptoms, leaving many people unaware that they are at risk. "High blood pressure often causes no symptoms, and feeling well is no reason to stop treatment. Check your blood pressure, take prescribed medicines regularly and make time to walk every day," he said.
Highlighting the importance of recognising stroke symptoms, Dr Shah said sudden facial drooping, arm weakness, difficulty speaking, loss of vision or loss of balance may indicate a stroke and should never be ignored. "Seek emergency care immediately, even if the symptoms improve, and note when they started," he said, warning that delaying treatment in the hope that symptoms would subside could have serious consequences, including permanent disability.
"Do not wait for morning; a few minutes can make a lasting difference to someone's ability to speak, walk and live independently," he added.
Doctors said the time between the onset of stroke symptoms and the initiation of treatment is critical, as prompt medical assessment can help determine the appropriate treatment and improve the chances of recovery. They advised people to seek emergency medical assistance immediately if stroke symptoms appear, even if they disappear after a short period, as temporary symptoms may also signal a serious underlying problem.
They also stressed the need to improve public awareness about stroke prevention, particularly among younger people who may overlook risk factors because they consider themselves healthy, and reiterated that regular health check-ups, adherence to prescribed medication, physical activity, healthy eating and avoiding tobacco remain among the key measures to reduce the risk of stroke.
While not every stroke can be prevented, greater awareness, early intervention and timely emergency care can save lives and help reduce the long-term physical, emotional and social consequences of the condition, they said—(KNO)