Stroke in young adults in India: A growing concern
Verified by Dr. Vishal Chafale, Consultant Interventional Neurology, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai.
Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, and it is becoming increasingly common in young adults. In India, stroke is the second leading cause of death. It is estimated that up to 10-15 % of all strokes in India occur in young adults.
Risk factors for stroke in young adults
- Major risk factors are high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity among young adults. These risk factors are more common in younger adults today than they were in the past, due to factors such as lifestyle changes and urbanization.
- Another important factor that is contributing to the rise of stroke in young adults in India is the lack of awareness of the signs and symptoms of stroke. Many people, including young adults, are not aware that they are at risk of stroke, and they may not recognize the signs and symptoms of a stroke when it occurs. This can lead to delays in seeking treatment, which can have serious consequences.
- Other risk factors include use of contraception containing estrogen (unique to women), pregnancy & migraine among women, inherited genetic disorders, vasculopathy, blood disorders, and cardiac disorders.
Warning signs of stroke in young adults
Stroke is a medical emergency, and it is important to seek treatment immediately if you or someone you know is experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause
How to prevent stroke at a young age?
There are a number of things that young adults can do to reduce their risk of stroke. These include:
- Eating a healthy diet
- Exercising regularly which includes 30-minute exercise sessions, 3-5 days a week.
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels through appropriate measures
- Quitting smoking
- Managing diabetes and other chronic conditions
Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai offers comprehensive management for stroke
Stroke is a time-sensitive crucial medical emergency. Every second matters right from recognizing the first signs of stroke to availing medical attention to undergoing appropriate rehab. A prompt Emergency Room (ER) team, comprehensive Intensive Care Unit (ICU), experienced neurologists, rehab specialists and support staff are available at Apollo.
Consult our specialist, Dr. Vishal Chafale, Consultant Interventional Neurology, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai.
Call 022 6280 6280 for an appointment.