Rising Stroke Cases in Himachal Largely Linked to Hypertension and Diabetes

Prevention is possible, but every minute counts when it comes to avoiding lifelong disability.

Head of the Medicine Department at the Regional Hospital in Kullu, Dr. Kalyan Singh, emphasized the importance of stroke awareness on the occasion of World Stroke Day on Tuesday. “In stroke cases, every minute truly matters,” he said. “Timely intervention can make the difference between full recovery and permanent disability.”

This year’s global theme set by the World Stroke Organization — “Every Minute Matters” — underscores a critical message: “Act fast — time saves brains.” Stroke remains the second leading cause of death and disability worldwide.

“Each year, around 11.9 million people suffer a stroke globally, and 7.3 million die as a result,” Dr. Singh noted. “India alone records over 1.25 million new cases annually, accounting for nearly 10 percent of all global strokes.”

Dr. Singh said Himachal Pradesh has witnessed a steady rise in stroke cases, primarily due to hypertension and diabetes, the two most significant risk factors. “A stroke is not just paralysis—it is a medical emergency within the brain,” he explained. “Symptoms such as facial drooping, limb weakness, or slurred speech require immediate hospital care.”

He stressed the importance of rapid diagnosis using CT or MRI scans to distinguish between ischemic (blockage) and hemorrhagic (bleeding) strokes. “The treatment approaches differ completely, and time is the most crucial factor,” he said. “Ideally, scanning should be done within 20 minutes of arrival, and treatment should begin within the first hour—the golden window that can prevent irreversible brain damage.”

Dr. Singh pointed out that strokes rarely occur without warning. “They are often the result of years of silent damage caused by unhealthy habits and uncontrolled medical conditions,” he said. “High blood pressure tops the list, followed by diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, stress, and physical inactivity.”

Encouragingly, he added, up to 80 percent of strokes are preventable. “Simple lifestyle changes—daily walks, reduced salt and oil intake, eating more fruits and vegetables, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, regular health check-ups, stress management, and adequate sleep—can dramatically lower the risk,” he said.

“For stroke survivors, strict blood pressure control, adherence to prescribed medications, and regular physiotherapy are key to regaining independence,” Dr. Singh concluded.