Strokes are one of the top five causes of death in India, say experts

A stroke can occur suddenly often without warning and its impact can be lifealtering within minutes Despite advances in medicine awareness about its early signs and timely intervention remains limited mdash making education and prevention crucial in reducing its tollOn World Stroke Day midday spoke to Dr Prashant Makhija Consultant Neurologist at Wockhardt Hospitals Mumbai Central and Dr Dipesh Pimpale Consultant Neurologist at KIMS Hospitals Thane The experts shed light on common warning signs risk factors and awareness details everyone should be aware ofWhat is a stroke and why is it considered a medical emergencyMakhija A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is suddenly blocked or when a blood vessel bursts The brain canrsquot store oxygen so every minute of delay leads to the death of brain cells Thatrsquos why we say ldquotime is brainrdquo Immediate medical help can save lives and preserve functionPimpale A stroke is a brain attack a sudden stop in blood flow that deprives brain cells of oxygen Immediate treatment can reverse damage but only if given within the first few hoursWhat are the most common warning signs people should never ignoreMakhija The simplest way to remember is the FAST rule Face drooping Arm weakness Speech difficulty and Time to rush to the hospital Other warning signs include sudden vision loss balance issues or severe headachesPimpale Look for sudden weakness or numbness on one side slurred speech loss of coordination confusion or changes in vision Even if symptoms go away itrsquos still an emergencyHow common are strokes in India and are younger people at risk tooMakhija Strokes are one of the top five causes of death in India Itrsquos concerning that more people under 45 are having strokes often due to stress smoking poor sleep and inactivityPimpale Strokes are occurring more often in younger people now Lifestyle factors obesity and untreated high blood pressure are major causes Urban Indians particularly those in highstress jobs are more at riskWhat are some key risk factors that can be controlled through lifestyle changesMakhija The main risk factors are high blood pressure diabetes high cholesterol obesity smoking and excessive alcohol Managing these factors through a healthy diet exercise and regular checkups can significantly lower riskPimpale Controlling blood pressure is crucial Maintaining a healthy weight reducing processed food intake and managing blood sugar levels also play a significant role These are simple yet effective prevention strategiesHow can someone reduce their risk of stroke in daily lifeMakhija Aim for balanced meals 30 minutes of activity each day plenty of water and good sleep Even small consistent changes like reducing salt intake or quitting smoking can benefit your brain over timePimpale One should eat healthy diet strictly control Diabetes and blood pressure do basic exercise avoid smoking and alcohol consumptionHow are heart conditions and stroke connectedMakhija Heart rhythm problems especially atrial fibrillation can create blood clots that may travel to the brain and cause a stroke Therefore a healthy heart usually means a safer brainPimpale The heart and brain share the same blood vessels When the heart is not healthy it can send clots or cause changes in pressure that affect the brainAre stroke and heart attack symptoms ever confused with each other How can people tell the differenceMakhija Yes both involve a sudden blockage of blood flow However a stroke mostly affects speech movement or vision while a heart attack causes chest pain and shortness of breathPimpale They can overlap Stroke often shows up as weakness or speech issues while heart attack pain typically occurs in the chest or arms If yoursquore unsure call emergency services right away donrsquot try to diagnose yourselfHow does stress or emotional health impact the heartndashbrain connectionMakhija Chronic stress raises blood pressure thickens the blood and increases cortisol all of which can harm blood vessels Good emotional health can be just as protective as medicationPimpale Stress hormones tighten arteries and raise blood pressure Mindfulness enjoyable activities and good sleep are valuable ways to protect against both stroke and heart diseaseWhy is public awareness so essential in saving lives during a strokeMakhija Most stroke patients get help late because family members donrsquot recognize the signs Awareness can mean the difference between recovery and lifelong disabilityPimpale Because every minute counts When people act quickly by calling an ambulance instead of waiting for symptoms to subside we can dissolve clots restore blood flow and often prevent lasting disability