Stroke on the Rise

What Everyone Must Know to Stay Safe

- Dr.Venkatraman Hegde

In recent years, the incidence of stroke— commonly known as a brain stroke—has been steadily increasing across the world, including in countries like India.

Changing lifestyles, rising stress levels, unhealthy diets, and chronic diseases are major contributors.

What Is a Stroke and How Does It Occur?

A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is disrupted. The brain needs a continuous supply of oxygen and nutrients through blood. If this supply is interrupted—even for a few minutes—brain cells begin to die.

There are two main types of stroke:

1. Ischemic Stroke (Blockage Type): This is the most common type of stroke. It happens when a blood vessel supplying the brain becomes blocked.

It can occur in three main ways:

Clot formation inside the blood vessel: Due to unhealthy diet, high cholesterol, lack of exercise, or other lifestyle issues, fatty deposits can build up in the arteries. This narrows the blood vessels and forms clots that block blood flow.

Clot traveling from another part of the body: Sometimes, a clot formed in the heart or elsewhere travels through the bloodstream and gets stuck in a smaller artery in the brain.

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Often called a “mini-stroke,” this is a temporary blockage of blood flow. Symptoms may last only a few minutes or hours and then disappear. However, TIA is a serious warning sign of a major stroke in the future.

2. Hemorrhagic Stroke (Bleeding Type)

This type occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, causing bleeding inside or around the brain. The most common reason for this is uncontrolled high blood pressure (BP). When blood pressure remains high for a long time, it weakens the blood vessel walls, making them more likely to rupture.