Once thought to be a problem of the elderly, stroke is affecting more and more young and healthy individuals. Hospitals report a surprisingly sharp increase in young stroke patients. This trend was virtually nonexistent just a few years ago. Doctors attribute this to a combination of lifestyle choices, increased stress and a rise in chronic health conditions, the Times of India reported.
Dr Raghuram G, additional director of neurosurgery at Fortis Hospital said:
"We are now seeing two cases of youngsters experiencing stroke every week. The rise in cases of people in their 30s experiencing stroke every week is alarming, probably influenced by modern lifestyles. Diets rich in junk food and unhealthy fats, accompanied by demanding work schedules and lack of sleep, are key factors. Since the Covid pandemic, we have seen an increase in the number of strokes due to the increased tendency for blood to clot, which can lead to clots forming in the brain vessels."
Just five years ago, young stroke patients were rare and often associated with certain conditions such as lupus or genetic disorders.
Dr Santosh NS, consultant neurologist at Manipal Hospitals, noted that stroke in persons under 40, defined as stroke at an early age, now accounts for 10-15% of all stroke cases. "One common cause is arterial dissection, in which blood vessels in the neck rupture due to abnormal postures or movements, such as turning the head when visiting a hairdresser," he explained.
These young stroke patients face a variety of risk factors that require different approaches to treatment and prevention. Risks that can be altered, such as smoking and exposure to cigarette smoke, can significantly increase the likelihood of stroke. "Avoiding exposure to second-hand cigarette smoke is key," emphasized Dr. Santosh. Manipal hospitals have an average of 2-3 cases of young stroke patients per week.
Dr Amit Kulkarni, senior consultant and head of the neurology and stroke department at Sakra World Hospital, explains the alarming trends:
"We are now seeing strokes in patients in their late 20s and early 30s. Factors such as hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol are prevalent, often due to sedentary lifestyles. Lifestyle choices and obesity contribute to conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea, which can exacerbate hypertension and lead to stroke."
According to Sakra World, one in four stroke patients comes from younger age groups.
Achieving a healthy balance
29 October is World Stroke Day. Here are some precautions you can take to stay healthy:
Exercise regularly (30 minutes a day)
Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.
Prioritize 7-8 hours of sleep per day
Stay hydrated
Limit time in front of screens
Practice stress reduction techniques
Schedule regular health checkups
Don't skip meals, don't eat too much sugar, salt and unhealthy fats, don't neglect physical activity, don't smoke, don't consume excessive amounts of alcohol, don't compromise on sleep and don't ignore your mental health. | BGNES
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