Stroke Strikes Under 45: India's Growing Health Crisis

India faces a growing crisis as stroke increasingly affects younger individuals, with one in seven patients now under 45 years old. A comprehensive analysis of over 34,000 cases between 2020 and 2022 revealed that a concerning number of patients, nearly two in five, arrive at hospitals more than 24 hours after symptom onset. This delay significantly hampers treatment effectiveness, with only a small fraction receiving timely interventions like thrombolysis. Hypertension remains the leading risk factor, present in over 74% of cases, followed by diabetes and various forms of tobacco use. The study also highlighted gender-specific risk factor patterns. Outcomes remain dire, with almost 28% of patients dying within three months, and over half experiencing death or significant disability. Women were found to be more likely to suffer from disability post-treatment, suggesting potential gaps in rehabilitation and care. Experts emphasize that 'time is brain' and urgent medical attention is crucial for better outcomes. Faster referral systems, improved access to acute stroke care, especially in rural areas, and stricter control of hypertension and diabetes are vital to combat this escalating health challenge.