Stroke, along with heart attacks, causes 85% of all Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)-related deaths worldwide. Also known as a brain attack, it is a condition that occurs when the blood flow to the brain is blocked or when there is sudden bleeding in the brain.
Stroke is more common in people over the age of 55. In fact, the risk of stroke doubles every ten years after age 55, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, this does not mean younger people should be less vigilant.
Also Read: Why Do Women Have A Higher Risk Of Stroke Than Men
Recently, Zerodha founder and CEO Nithin Kamath revealed he had a mild stroke a few weeks ago. The 44-year-old attributed the stroke to various factors, including the recent passing of his father, poor sleep, exhaustion, dehydration, and excessive exercise.
To shed further light on the subject, we spoke to Dr Keni Ravish Rajiv, Senior Consultant-Neurology and Head of Epilepsy Services, Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru.
Why Are Younger People Becoming More Prone To Stroke?
“Younger individuals are increasingly at risk of stroke due to lifestyle factors such as poor diet, lack of exercise, and increased stress,” says Dr Rajiv.
He adds that rising rates of obesity, hypertension, and diabetes also contribute to this trend.
Moreover, habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption amplify the risk, with sedentary lifestyles and high levels of screen time contributing to the health risk.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), stroke is rare in people under 40. However, when it does occur, the primary cause is high blood pressure. In fact, the global health body suggests that for every ten people who die of stroke, four could have been saved if their blood pressure had been regulated.
Who Should Be More Watchful?
There are certain factors that can contribute to a person’s risk of stroke. These include:
- People with a family history of stroke
- Those with underlying health conditions like hypertension, diabetes, or heart disease
- Individuals with a history of smoking or obesity
Dr Rajiv says, “Anyone experiencing symptoms such as sudden weakness or numbness, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, a severe headache, or vision problems should seek medical attention promptly.”
“Being proactive about managing risk factors and recognising warning signs is crucial for stroke prevention and early intervention,” he adds.
Precautions To Take
It is unfortunate that among people aged under 65, two-fifths of deaths from stroke are linked to smoking, says the WHO.
Therefore, Dr Rajiv shares that individuals under 45 can reduce their stroke risk just by adopting a healthy lifestyle. This includes:
- Regular exercise
- Maintaining a balanced diet low in sodium and saturated fats
- Managing stress levels
- Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
- Regular health check-ups to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels
- Staying hydrated
- Getting enough sleep
- Maintaining a healthy weight
Conclusion
Stroke is not just a disease of the elderly. It can also affect young individuals. A combination of factors ranging from an unhealthy diet to a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and consuming alcohol can contribute to the risk of stroke. Taking necessary precautions can help mitigate the risk and also lead to a fulfilling life. By managing the risk factors for stroke, you also reduce your chance of developing other Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs).