Pollution a major contributor to stroke risks, say experts

NEW DELHI: Not just in high risk patients, tiny particles of air pollution can also increase the risk of stroke in younger and healthy population by damaging the inner lining of their veins and arteries. About 15 million people suffer a stroke every year worldwide. Nearly six million die, and five million are left with permanent disabilities, such as

loss of sight and speech, paralysis and confusion.

Earlier, it was thought that air pollution increases the risk of stroke for the elderly and sick but studies have found that even seemingly healthy young adults are also at risk who usually have less prevalence of such neurological problems. It was estimated that the number of fragments of dead cells in the bloodstream increases with increased levels of pollution.

Results suggested that pol

luted environment promote stroke incidences more pervasively and at early stages than previously thought. As per WHO report, about 34 percent stroke deaths occur due to pollution.

Dr Praveen Gupta Director Neurology at a private hospital says, “With the current scenario, the situation is getting worse. Many patients in the young age group suffer from stroke. We get two-three young patients almost every month. The number of young stroke patients has almost doubled compared to last few years. Studies suggest that major risk factors like air pollution and smoking increases stroke incidences both in the short term and long term.”

Dr Vinay Goyal, Professor, Department of Nuerology, AIIMS, says “Pollution is one of the exploding factors for increasing the stroke risk in people living in polluted regions like Delhi-ncr. High level of PM2.5 in the air increases the risk of cardiovascular mortality. International studies have found a relationship between pollution and stroke risks. In India, the situation can be more dangerous. Side effects of pollution are like volcanos waiting to explode. If we don’t take care now. It will be impossible to handle it later.”

Experts are concerned about the fact that the quality of air in Delhi-ncr is already very toxic with the change in weather condition. With such high rates of pollution, rates of strokes will only increase unless strict actions are taken. Emphasizing on the importance of awareness about major risk factors associated with stroke, many experts advocated population based approaches to prevention. Every year on October 29, World Stroke Day is observed to underscore the serious nature of stroke cases and raise awareness about the condition and associated risk factors to control the burden of stroke.

There is a need of collaborative action from the government, healthcare community and NGOS to come together on a common platform and devise strategies to reduce risk factors and control the rates of stroke.

There is a need of collaborative action from the govt, healthcare community and NGOS to come together on a common platform & devise strategies to reduce risk factors and control the rates of stroke