When minutes matter

Every few seconds, somewhere in the world, a life is altered by a stroke. In India, stroke is already among the leading causes of death and long-term disability. And its incidence continues to rise steadily, often affecting people far younger than previously expected. These numbers are real and represent families disrupted, livelihoods altered and lives permanently reshaped.

- DR PREETHA REDDY

Stroke is often misunderstood as an unpredictable event. According to clinicians, it is closely linked to conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, irregular heart rhythms, smoking, prolonged stress and physical inactivity—all of which significantly increase the risk. In addition, seasonal patterns add another dimension. Colder months, consistently, see a higher burden of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. Hence, for individuals already living with cardiovascular risk factors, winter can become a period of heightened danger.