AMARAVATI: According to Indian Stroke Association (ISA), prevalence of stroke is on the rise in India with as many as 18 lakh cases being reported every year. ISA has launched several initiatives to create greater awareness about stroke.
The association is observing October as ‘stroke awareness month’ and has organised dozens of programmes and events to spread general awareness about stroke and reduce its burden.
An extensive social media campaign with hashtag #ProtectYourBrain – KnowAboutStroke is being run since October first week. “Stroke is a brain attack and is the leading cause of disability and second leading cause of death in India. One person has a stroke in India every 40 seconds, and one-fourth of the patients are less than 50, including a large number who are in the age group of 19-30,” said Dr. Jeyaraj Pandian, president, ISA.
Addressing the media through virtual conference the other day, Dr Pandian said stroke cases put a tremendous financial and social burden on personal, family, and community levels but awareness is the key to reducing the burden.
A sedentary lifestyle, smoking, obesity, and lack of regular exercise are the key factors that lead to stroke. It is estimated that 80% of stroke cases can be prevented with lifestyle and behavioural changes, said Dr Pandiyan.
“Stroke can happen to anyone, at any age and anywhere. It is estimated that one in every four persons will have a stroke during their lifetime. The risk can be reduced by regular checks for hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, etc. Exercising regularly, maintaining the right weight, quitting smoking, and giving up alcohol consumption can also help reduce the risk of stroke,” said ISA secretary Dr Arvind Sharma.
He said stroke fatality rate in India is much higher than in developed countries due to lower awareness about prevention and treatment.
ISA national executive committee member and renowned neurologist Dr P Vijaya said the fatality rate in northeastern states and coastal states is as high as 42%, among the highest in the world, which is attributed to higher salt intake.
