Stroke cases rising among young adults

Team L&M

There is a rising concern over the surge in cases of strokes among young Indians under 40 years. Traditionally seen as a disease of the elderly, stroke is now affecting a growing number of working-age individuals. This is thanks to poor lifestyle choices, stress, and lack of awareness about early warning signs. Timely intervention within the golden window can save lives and reduce disability. Through BE FAST: (Balance loss, Eye vision problems, Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to act quickly can, it is possible to recognize a stroke and act quickly.

How Stroke Occurs

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted, leading to brain cell damage. The key warning signs can be remembered through BE FAST.  BE FAST means Balance loss, Eye vision problems, Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to act quickly.

Currently, stroke cases are rapidly rising in young adults, which demands timely attention. The causes of a stroke in young adults are smoking, alcohol, junk food, lack of exercise, stress and long working hours. Add to this the uncontrolled hypertension and diabetes, family history, and genetic risks. Complications include paralysis, memory loss, speech impairment, and long-term disability.

There is a 50 per cent spike in stroke cases in young adults. In a month, 5 out of 10 young adults under 40 come with symptoms such as face drooping, arm weakness, and speech difficulty. “Eighty per cent of young adults are at increased risk of stroke as they aren’t aware of their health status and fail to monitor their blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels that raise the chances of a stroke,” says Dr Vishwanathan Iyer, Neuro Surgeon, Zynova Shalby Hospital Mumbai.

“Immediate treatment within the first 4.5 hours can make the difference between recovery and permanent disability. Quick hospital admission and clot-busting drugs can save brain function and improve survival rates,” he adds.

Prevention is Best Cure

To prevent a stroke, control blood pressure, sugar, and cholesterol, exercise regularly and maintain a balanced diet. Moreover, one must avoid smoking, alcohol, and stress. Additionally, regular health check-ups are important. It is necessary to recognize the warning signs early, act fast, and prioritize prevention to safeguard the future health of young adults.

Stroke incidences are surging due to factors such as high blood pressure, blood sugar levels, stress, absence of physical activity, and family history. There has been a sharp 30 per cent rise in stroke cases among young adults. Nearly three out of 10 patients under the age of 40 report its symptoms in just one month. Alarmingly, 50 per cent of young adults face a higher risk of stroke as they remain unaware of their health condition.  Further, they do not monitor blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol, which elevate stroke chances. So, a stroke is a medical emergency.

“Remember, ‘Time Is Brain’. Early diagnosis is the key to saving lives in stroke, as timely medical intervention can prevent severe disability. Stroke treatment involves clot-busting medicines, advanced procedures like thrombectomy. Further, timely rehabilitation to restore brain function and quality of life is very important,” says Dr Chhya Vaja, Internal Medicine Expert, Apollo Spectra Mumbai.