India Among Countries With Highest Risk of Stroke Among Young Adults: Study

New Delhi: A recent study published in the Lancet Neurology journal highlights India and several Asian and African countries facing an elevated risk of stroke among younger populations.

The study predicts that stroke could lead to nearly 10 million annual deaths by 2050, primarily in low-middle income countries (LMICs), with an associated cost of up to $2 trillion per year.

The study also reveals that Asia accounted for the largest share of global stroke deaths in 2020 (61%), and this share is expected to increase to approximately 69% by 2050. Sub-Saharan African countries are also projected to see an increase, from 6% of global stroke deaths in 2020 to 8% in 2050.

The major risk factors identified for stroke include high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, high cholesterol, obesity, unhealthy diet, sedentary lifestyle, and smoking.

To address this growing issue, the report recommends the establishment of low-cost surveillance systems for accurate epidemiological stroke data, raising public awareness, promoting healthy lifestyles to prevent strokes, and prioritizing effective planning of acute stroke care services. Additionally, the report suggests introducing legislative regulations and taxation on unhealthy products worldwide.