Stroke in Young Adults: Rising Risk in India and How to Prevent It

A 34-year-old marketing manager. A 42-year-old IT professional. A 38-year-old homemaker. All of them had strokes. Strokes in young adults are increasing in India, and the causes are often preventable. Here is what you need to know.

Why Are More Young Adults Having Strokes in India?

India has a unique and concerning pattern of stroke in younger age groups compared to Western countries. Reasons include:

• Hypertension: Undiagnosed or poorly controlled high blood pressure — rising rapidly in urban young adults
• Rheumatic heart disease: Still prevalent in India; can cause blood clots that travel to the brain
• Atrial fibrillation: Irregular heartbeat — an underdiagnosed cause
• Diabetes: Type 2 diabetes is occurring at younger ages in South Asians
• Obesity and metabolic syndrome
• Smoking: Combined with oral contraceptives in women, dramatically increases stroke risk
• Carotid artery disease
• Thrombophilia: Blood clotting disorders — often missed unless specifically tested for
• Drug abuse: Stimulants, cocaine
• Paradoxical embolism: Patent foramen ovale (a small hole in the heart present in about 25% of people, usually harmless but can be a stroke mechanism in some)

Stroke Symptoms to Recognise Immediately (FAST)

The FAST acronym remains the most important thing everyone should know:

• F: Face drooping on one side
• A: Arm weakness on one side
• S: Speech slurred or confused
• T: Time to call for emergency help immediately

Stroke Prevention for Young Adults

• Know your blood pressure — check it regularly even if you feel fine
• Control blood sugar — get screened for diabetes if overweight or there is family history
• Stop smoking completely
• Limit alcohol
• Exercise 150 minutes per week (aerobic activity)
• Maintain healthy weight
• Have your heart checked if you have palpitations, irregular pulse, or breathlessness

"A stroke at 35 can be more devastating than a stroke at 75 — because the patient has decades of life ahead. Prevention is far better than treatment. Know your numbers: blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol."

Dr. Anand Karnam provides stroke prevention consultations and neurological assessments at Sri Anand Child and Neuro Center, Chanda Nagar, Hyderabad. Call +91 90633 66983.