World Stroke Day: Why young adults face a higher risk of stroke from lifestyle choices

Every year, World Stroke Day is observed on October 29 around the globe to raise awareness about the condition. While the theme for World Stroke Day 2024 is "#GreaterThanStroke Active Challenge", one can't ignore how just like heart attacks, younger people are also vulnerable to strokes. While understanding the causes of suffering from a stroke is necessary, it is also important to know the effects and how people around can help.

In an attempt to simplify strokes, mid-day.com spoke to Dr Nitin Jagasia, regional director, of emergency medical services, Western Region, Apollo Hospitals in Navi Mumbai and Dr Pankaj Agarwal, head of the Department of Neurology, Gleneagles Hospital in Parel to understand more.

They not only highlight the causes and effects but also treatment, and how people around can help in recovery.

What are the causes of getting a stroke?

Jagasia: A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked or disrupted, leading to cell damage in critical brain areas. There are two primary types: ischemic stroke, where a clot blocks an artery, and hemorrhagic stroke, where a blood vessel bursts. Risk factors that increase the chance of ischemic stroke often include high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, and a history of heart disease, while hemorrhagic strokes can be related to weakened blood vessels, aneurysms, or uncontrolled hypertension (high blood pressure). Genetics also play a role, with some people more predisposed due to family history. Many of these risk factors accumulate gradually, making regular health check-ups, a balanced diet, exercise, and stress reduction essential for reducing stroke risk.

What are the symptoms of a stroke?

Jagasia: The symptoms of a stroke often appear suddenly, and the key is to recognise them as quickly as possible. They include:

• Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Confusion or difficulty speaking or understanding speech
• Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Dizziness, difficulty walking, or loss of balance and coordination
• Severe headache with no known cause

The acronym "BE - FAST" is a helpful way to remember these signs:

Balance - unsteady

Eyes - vision changes

Face drooping,

Arm weakness,

Speech - altered or loss, and

Time - call emergency services.

Acting quickly is crucial, as prompt treatment can significantly improve outcomes and limit long-term impacts.

What are the effects of a stroke?

Jagasia: A stroke can have a profound effect on physical, emotional, and cognitive functioning. Some individuals experience partial paralysis, often on one side of the body, which may impact their ability to walk or use their hands. Speech difficulties are common, especially if the stroke affects areas of the brain responsible for language processing, resulting in struggles with speaking, understanding, reading, or writing. Memory challenges, slower cognitive processing, mood changes, and depression are other effects that can emerge post-stroke. Each person's recovery journey is unique, often involving physical, occupational, and speech therapy to rebuild lost skills. Support from loved ones and professional caregivers makes a crucial difference in helping individuals regain as much independence as possible.

Agarwal: A stroke can hurt one's overall well-being. These effects can be life-long or acute depending on various factors. The effects may include partial or complete paralysis, weakness, difficulty in speaking or understanding what others are trying to say, memory loss, experiencing a range of emotions all at once, vision changes, difficulty in swallowing or eating, fatigue, nausea, and becoming fully dependent on others.

Does stroke affect different genders differently?

Jagasia: Yes, stroke impacts men and women in different ways. Men generally have a higher risk of stroke at younger ages, while women's risk increases with age, especially after menopause. Women may experience unique stroke risk factors, including hormonal changes, pregnancy-related complications, and conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or autoimmune diseases like lupus. Additionally, research shows that women often face more severe long-term effects and higher mortality rates than men. Understanding these gender-specific risks can encourage personalised prevention strategies for women, such as managing blood pressure, understanding birth control implications, and monitoring cardiovascular health.

Agarwal: Stroke does not differentiate when it comes to gender. Medical emergencies like stroke can occur to anyone irrespective of age or gender.

Which age group is most affected by stroke?

Jagasia: Stroke is generally more common in older adults, especially those over the age of 65. As we age, our blood vessels naturally become more rigid, increasing the likelihood of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease, which are both strong risk factors for stroke. However, people of all ages can be affected, and with the rising prevalence of lifestyle-related risk factors, strokes are no longer seen as an "older adult" condition. Awareness and early interventions can be beneficial at any age, promoting a stroke-free, healthy life well into older age.

Are more younger people getting affected by stroke than older people?

Jagasia: Yes, concerningly, younger populations are increasingly experiencing strokes. This trend is partly due to modern lifestyles marked by stress, sedentary behavior, and dietary changes leading to conditions like obesity, diabetes, and hypertension - all risk factors for stroke. Younger people today are more likely to be diagnosed with these conditions, and consequently, they face higher stroke risks than previous generations did at the same age. Regular check-ups, stress management, physical activity, and balanced nutrition are powerful tools to counter this trend and protect brain and heart health at all ages.

Agarwal: Stroke is a medical emergency that can occur in people of all age groups. But some people are at higher risk than others. Stroke is more common after the age of 25. However, certain risk factors can heighten the risk of stroke in many. This can include risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, smoking, substance abuse, drinking alcohol, family history, unhealthy dietary choices, and high cholesterol.

What are the treatments for a stroke?

Jagasia: Stroke treatments vary depending on the type and severity. For ischemic strokes, which are caused by blood clots, immediate treatment might involve administering clot-busting medications or performing mechanical thrombectomy, a minimally invasive procedure to remove the clot. Both of these treatments are time-critical i.e. small window of a few hours to deliver this treatment which can make a huge impact on the functional outcome after a stroke. For hemorrhagic strokes, treatment focuses on controlling the bleeding and reducing pressure on the brain, often through medication or surgery. Rehabilitation typically follows initial treatment, with therapy programs designed to help individuals recover physical, speech, and cognitive functions. Stroke treatment is a coordinated effort that includes neurologists, surgeons, therapists, and family support, each playing a part in the healing process.

How is a brain stroke different from any other kind of stroke?

Jagasia: A "brain stroke" specifically refers to a stroke that occurs in the brain, cutting off blood supply to brain tissue and leading to potential brain damage. While strokes typically refer to events affecting the brain, other "strokes" can occur in different parts of the body, like the spinal cord. Brain strokes are also commonly likened to "heart attacks," as both are medical emergencies caused by blood flow interruption, leading to tissue damage.

What sets a brain stroke apart is its impact on a person's thoughts, language, memory, and physical abilities, making rapid diagnosis and treatment even more critical.

Agarwal: Strokes happen when there's a disruption to blood flow to part of your brain and is different from a heart stroke, Brain stroke affects the blood vessels in the brain and leads to life-long disability.

What are the common misconceptions about getting a stroke?

Jagasia: One major misconception is that only older adults experience strokes, yet it can affect anyone, including children. Another common misunderstanding is that recovery stops after a certain period; while early treatment and rehab are crucial, improvements can continue with therapy for months or even years. Some people also think that stroke symptoms always involve dramatic signs, like collapsing or slurred speech, while symptoms may sometimes be subtle, such as a momentary loss of balance. Lastly, there's the belief that stroke risk is entirely genetic, but lifestyle choices and preventive care play a substantial role in minimising risks.

Agarwal: Here are some of the myths:

Myth 1: A stroke is similar to a heart attack.

Fact: Remember, brain stroke affects the brain, and heart stroke takes a toll on the heart. However, the factors causing both the strokes are same. Hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, family history, obesity, genetics, smoking, alcohol consumption, and stress can lead to both types of strokes.

Myth 2: A stroke can't be prevented.

Fact: It is possible to reduce the chances of a stroke by exercising daily, eating a well-balanced diet, staying stress-free by doing yoga and meditation, and regularly monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. Take medication to manage these co-morbidities as prescribed by the doctor.

Myth 3: Strokes are commonly seen in senior citizens.

Fact: Currently, a majority of young people aged 25-45 are battling a stroke. The reasons are Hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, family history, obesity, genetics, smoking, alcohol consumption, and stress.

Does eating different kinds of food help people in preventing a stroke?

Jagasia: Yes, nutrition can have a powerful effect on stroke prevention. A heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats (like those from nuts and olive oil) supports blood vessel health. Reducing sodium, sugar, and processed foods helps manage blood pressure and cholesterol, both key factors in stroke prevention. Omega-3-rich foods like salmon, chia seeds, and walnuts offer anti-inflammatory benefits, promoting healthy blood flow and reducing clot risks. Hydration and mindful eating further contribute to a balanced lifestyle that not only reduces stroke risk but also enhances overall well-being.

Agarwal: One should eat fiber and antioxidant-rich foods and avoid foods high in cholesterol, saturated fats, and trans fats that raise the risk of a stroke. Cut down, on junk, oily, sugary, canned, and processed foods. Eat fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, pulses and lentils.

What is the post-treatment lifestyle that people should adopt? How can friends and family help people who have suffered from a stroke?

Jagasia: Recovery after a stroke involves adopting a lifestyle that minimises further risks while supporting the healing process. This includes regular physical activity tailored to ability levels, a nutrient-dense diet, consistent medication adherence, and routine follow-ups with healthcare providers. Avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol are also important. Friends and family play a vital role in emotional support, motivating their loved ones to stick with rehab exercises and helping with daily tasks as needed. They can offer gentle encouragement, accompany them to therapy sessions, and provide companionship, which helps immensely in preventing feelings of isolation. Recovery is a shared journey, and with a positive, supportive environment, those recovering from stroke often find greater confidence and resilience on their path to renewed health.

Agarwal: One should keep the diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels under control. Bid adieu to smoking, alcohol, and illicit drug use, exercise daily, and eat a nutritious diet. Practice mindful techniques such as yoga and meditation.

Disclaimer: This does not replace professional medical advice. Consult a qualified medical expert for personalised guidance.

Also Read: World Arthritis Day 2024: Why more young people are developing arthritis