Stroke patients get younger, scanner on lifestyle, stress
Times of India | 30 October 2025While strokes are still more common among those aged 65 years and above, nearly 15%–16% of strokes are now seen in individuals under 50 years of age.
Indians are genetically prone to strokes at a younger age than others, according to Hrishikesh Kumar, head of neurology and director of research at the Institute of Neurosciences Kolkata. "We are working more, sleeping less, eating unhealthy food, and taking on more stress.
All these factors are making us more prone to strokes," said Kumar.
Greater awareness, improved infrastructure, and financial preparedness are needed to combat the rising incidence of strokes, according to Debarshi Chatterjee, senior consultant neurosurgeon at Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals, Kolkata. He said that strokes are of two types —ischemic and haemorrhagic — with ischemic stroke, caused by a blockage and haemorrhagic stroke caused by a ruptured blood vessel.
He said, "Though symptoms of both types are similar, including weakness in the limbs, speech difficulty, or paralysis, timely intervention can make a crucial difference, noting that a ‘golden hour' exists — within the first three hours of symptom onset."
Hypertension, diabetes, obesity and sedentary lifestyle create a pro-inflammatory and pro-coagulant state in our body increase the risk of stroke, said Charnock Hospital consultant neurologist Aishee Bhattacharyya.
"Cardiac dysfunction, like cardiomyopathy and atrial fibrillation, is contributing to strokes in the young. Among women, the increasing incidence of PCOS or insulin resistance and hormone-based infertility treatments are also contributing to rising stroke incidence.
A definite link has been established with Covid-19 infection and stroke — with persistently high risk beyond 1 year after infection related to its pro-coagulant effect," said Bhattacharyya.
Deep Das, neurologist at CMRI Hospital, said, "Timely treatment like intravenous thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy, have proved to be game-changers in stroke management." "Precautions and first-response steps are important if someone shows signs of a stroke. Regular check-ups, timely medication, and lifestyle changes are crucial for prevention. It is a reversible condition if treated promptly," said GR Vijay Kumar, director of neurosurgery at Fortis Hospital.
Recognising signs like weakness, slurred speech or facial drooping and seeking medical help preserve quality of life, said Vaibhav Seth, consultant neurologist at ILS Hospital Dum Dum.
