Ahmedabad: The life of Vishal Patel, 36, was upended in July this year when he experienced a stroke, which caused paralysis. He repairs computers. The episode affected not just his income but also lives of his family members.“His is not an isolated case; we increasingly see patients below 40 and 50 affected by stroke,” said Dr Aalap Shah, founder-director of Mission Health. “For these patients, early neuro-rehabilitation can be a life-changer, especially in regaining the ability to walk and talk.”Oct 29 is observed as World Stroke Day. This year’s theme, ‘Every Minute Counts’, reminds society that swift stroke identification and intervention can save lives.Dr Devashish Vyas, an interventional neurologist with Apollo Hospitals, said that every minute, about 19 lakh brain cells get destroyed after an untreated acute ischemic stroke. “Thus, this year’s theme highlights that aspect,” he said. “We appeal to citizens to ensure that a patient is at a medical facility with clot-busting medicine at the earliest.”EMRI 108 data reveals that from 2022 to 2026, patient transfers increased from about 226 to 290 per month, corresponding to a 28% spike. More importantly, one in every four patients transferred was below 50 years of age, according to data.Dr Riddhi Patel-Dave, an interventional neurologist with Shalby Hospitals, said, “There surely is a rise in awareness and more patients are now brought to a medical setting.”She added, “Almost all risk factors for cardiovascular diseases are also applicable to a stroke. On Wednesday, a very young patient was brought in who was stabilised after a procedure.”A lifestyle devoid of exercise and full of ultra-processed food invites such complications, said Dr Kalpesh Shah, an interventional neurosurgeon at Zydus Hospital.“In about 85% of patients, we observe hypertension. We advise everyone above 35 to monitor their blood pressure and undergo regular check-ups,” Shah said. “Smoking is found to be another major risk factor. Left ventricular hypertrophy — the thickening of the left heart chamber’s walls — is a major independent risk factor and predictor for stroke.”
