World Stroke Day 2024: What Are The Factors That Increases Risk?

World Stroke Day is observed annually on October 29. This year, it falls on Tuesday. On this day, organizations worldwide take the initiative to raise awareness about stroke and conduct screenings to assess stroke risk.

With stroke cases rising globally, the World Stroke Organization (WSO) declared stroke a public health emergency in 2010, just four years after initiating this annual event. “According to a study published in The Lancet Neurology, over 1.25 million new stroke cases were recorded in 2021, a significant increase from 650,000 in 1990. This 51% rise, alongside a 47% increase in the overall prevalence of stroke, underscores the urgent need for greater awareness around prevention and timely intervention”, said Dr Vipul Gupta, Group Director, of Neurointervention, at Paras Health Gurugram.

What Is A Stroke?

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, a stroke, or “brain attack,” occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, creating a medical emergency.

“The brain requires a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients to function well,” Johns Hopkins Medicine explains. When blood and oxygen flow to the brain are disrupted, brain cells die, potentially affecting movement, memory, thinking, speech, and other functions.

What Are The Factors That Increase The Risk Of Stroke?

Research indicates these major factors that may increase stroke risk:

• High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels supplying the brain, significantly raising stroke risk.
• Heart disease is another leading stroke risk factor.
• People with diabetes face an elevated stroke risk.
• Excessive smoking increases the likelihood of ischemic stroke.
• Birth control pills may also contribute to stroke risk.
• A high red blood cell count can thicken the blood, leading to clots that impede blood flow, further raising stroke risk.

Dr Gupta adds, "In addition to age, which significantly elevates stroke risk, especially in those over 65 years, lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol use, and sedentary habits further contribute to the rising cases. Early recognition of symptoms and rapid medical response can be life-saving.”