Younger strokes are on the rise in India

India witnesses 1.5-1.8 million strokes every year, as per latest data. With 130-170 strokes per 100,000 population per year, stroke is now the second leading cause of death and the third leading cause of disability in the country.

- Dr. Kunal Bahrani Clinical Director - Neurology, Marengo Asia Hospitals, Faridabad

The rise in incidence of high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and sedentary lifestyles has made stroke one of India's biggest public health challenges.

While awareness and access to treatment have improved in major cities, the overall number of stroke cases is still rising in the country, mainly due to an ageing population and increasing metabolic disorders. However, survival rates are improving in urban centres with better emergency response and access to clot-busting drugs and stroke units. The biggest difference between recovery and disability in a stroke is time. Every minute after a stroke, two million brain cells die — so awareness and quick action are literally lifesaving. Early hospital arrival within 3 hours can triple the chances of a full recovery. Unfortunately, only 1 in 10 patients in India reach the hospital in time.