Doctors across India are warning that lifestyle changes following the Covid-19 pandemic have made young adults increasingly vulnerable to strokes. At an awareness event held on World Stroke Day, medical experts highlighted how sedentary routines, poor diet, and rising stress levels are contributing to the growing number of stroke cases among the youth.
“Stroke is no longer limited to the elderly. Since the Covid pandemic, we have seen a worrying rise in stroke cases among younger individuals due to lifestyle habits such as lack of physical activity and overreliance on machines,” said Dr. Apratim Chatterjee, Director of Stroke at the Institute of Neurosciences Kolkata (I-NK).
“Unhealthy diets, lack of exercise, and increasing cases of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity are all driving factors,” he added.
World Stroke Day Awareness Drive
To mark World Stroke Day, I-NK organised a public awareness campaign where doctors explained that stroke has become one of the top causes of disability worldwide.
“There are three leading killers — cancer, heart disease, and stroke. Among them, stroke causes the most disability. It can leave a person unable to move, speak, or see properly — devastating especially for younger patients,” said Dr. R.P. Sengupta, Founder-Chairman of I-NK.
Dr. Sengupta further noted that while stroke once had no treatment options, early intervention within the ‘golden hour’ (1–2 hours) can now help reverse the effects. “If treated quickly, stroke damage can be significantly reduced,” he emphasized.
Stroke Now an Epidemic
According to Dr. Chatterjee, stroke is turning into a public health epidemic. “One in every four people is at risk, and Kolkata’s stroke mortality rate is higher than the national average. Within a decade, this could escalate into a far more dangerous situation,” he warned.
Adding to this, Dr. K. Subramaniyan, Senior Consultant Neurologist at Kauvery Hospital, Chennai, said:
“Stroke is a medical emergency. In India, it ranks as the third leading cause of death, after heart attacks and cancer.”
Shocking Prevalence Among Young Adults
Data shows that India’s stroke prevalence rate is 203 per 100,000 population, with 12% of cases occurring in people under 40 years. Experts estimate that one in six people will experience a stroke during their lifetime.
During a wellness webinar hosted by Kauvery Hospital in association with The Hindu, neurologists discussed modifiable risk factors such as poor diet, high blood pressure, and lack of physical activity. Individuals with uncontrolled hypertension or those on blood thinners are at particularly high risk.
Recognising Stroke Early: The BE FAST Rule
Dr. K. Madhusuthan, Consultant Neurosurgeon from Tiruchi, urged people to remember the BE FAST rule for early detection:
- Balance issues
- Eye vision changes
- Face drooping
- Arm weakness
- Speech difficulty
- Time to rush to hospital
“Sudden dizziness, blurred vision, slurred speech, or facial numbness require immediate medical attention at a stroke care centre with CT or MRI facilities,” he said.
Dr. Dhivya Selvaraj, Neurology Consultant from Salem, added that two million neurons die every minute when blood flow to the brain is blocked. “A severe headache or sudden numbness on one side of the body are warning signs that must not be ignored,” she said.
Stress and Lifestyle Factors
Doctors also highlighted that stress-related strokes are on the rise among young working professionals.
“We’re seeing more patients with high stress and anxiety, especially from demanding workplaces,” said Dr. Selvaraj. “Practicing yoga, maintaining a balanced diet, and ensuring proper sleep are crucial to prevent strokes.”
Dr. Subramaniyan concluded by saying, “Understanding the symptoms is essential, but people should not let anxiety take over. Awareness and prompt action can save lives.”