Uncontrolled hypertension is silently driving a sharp rise in stroke cases across India, with younger adults also increasingly at risk. Experts warn that delayed treatment can lead to disability and death linked to stroke. It is necessary to manage hypertension and prevent a stroke. India is witnessing an alarming rise in hypertension-related stroke cases. Uncontrolled hypertension, long working hours, lack of exercise, excessive salt intake, poor sleep, stress, smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, and uncontrolled diabetes are increasing the burden of stroke among both older and younger adults.
Experts warn that hypertension, often ignored due to lack of visible symptoms, is now emerging as one of the leading causes of stroke in the country. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research (NCDIR), under the National Stroke Registry Programme (NSRP), the present ‘Stroke in India: Insights from Hospital-Based Stroke Registries,’ published in the International Journal of Stroke. Based on nationwide data from 34,792 patients across 30 hospitals, the findings show that 13.8% of stroke patients are under 45 years, 63% are male, and 72% are from rural areas. Major risk factors include hypertension (74.5%), diabetes (27.3%), tobacco use (28.5%), and alcohol use (20.2%). Hence, it is the need of the hour to manage hypertension and prevent stroke. Dr Vikram Huded, president, Indian Stroke Association (ISA), said, “Hypertension is often called a silent killer because many people may not notice symptoms until serious complications develop. Uncontrolled high blood pressure damages blood vessels and increases the risk of stroke, even among younger adults. Uncontrolled hypertension weakens and narrows blood vessels supplying the brain, which can either block blood flow or cause bleeding inside the brain, leading to stroke. Stroke symptoms such as BEFAST, Balance difficulty, Eye vision changes, Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to seek emergency treatment immediately demand immediate medical attention. Stroke treatment includes clot-busting injections (thrombolysis), thrombectomy procedures, blood pressure control through medication, and intensive monitoring. Early treatment within the golden window of 4.5 hours can significantly reduce brain damage and disability.” Dr Arvind Sharma, secretary, Indian Stroke Association (ISA) highlighted, “Hypertension is one of the most preventable causes of stroke, yet many people ignore regular blood pressure monitoring and healthy lifestyle practices. Young adults are increasingly developing high blood pressure because of poor diet, inactivity, stress, smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, and lack of sleep. Stroke is a medical emergency, and every minute matters because delayed treatment can lead to paralysis, speech loss, disability, or even death. Lifestyle changes such as reducing salt intake, exercising regularly, quitting tobacco and alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress, and taking medicines on time can help control hypertension and reduce the growing burden of stroke in India.”
Hypertension emerging as one of the leading causes of stroke in India: Experts
