Dr. Shushrutha Gowda

American Board-Certified Neurologist

Managing Director: NeuroZone &

Gopalagowda Shanthaveri

Memorial Hospital, Mysore

As our former Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy suffered a stroke, the time is apt to talk about this medical issue.

The former CM was lucky that he was brought to the hospital within four and a half hours and received the lifesaving medication called tPA. He received a clot buster medication which probably saved him from a devastating arm and leg weakness. 

Stroke burden is huge in India, as India encounters around 17 lakh new stroke patients per year. There has been more than 100 percent increase in incidence of stroke in countries like India in the last 30 years. Stroke is the sixth leading cause of disability in India. There are four major causes of stroke and heart attack — diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and smoking. 

Diabetes causes two-to three-fold increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. Around 7.7 crore people in India have diabetes and another 2.5 crore people are at risk to develop diabetes. Kidney, Eye and Nerve damage are the most common complications of Diabetes.

Hypertension (High BP; also known as the “silent killer”) affects around 128 crore people worldwide. Many of these patients are living in countries like India. Interestingly, more than half of people with hypertension and diabetes don’t know they have the disease.

High cholesterol causes blockage of the blood vessels causing stroke and heart attacks.

Lastly, nearly 26.7 crore people in India are smokers which again is a big factor for heart attack and stroke.

Stroke usually presents with speech disturbances, vision issues, one-sided weakness of face, arm and or leg. Mnemonic “BEFAST” is an easy way to recognise stroke symptoms.

If you come to hospital within 4.5 hours of having above stroke symptoms, then you can receive (if eligible) clot buster medication or clot removal surgery which increases your chances of stroke recovery fully. Each minute there is lack of blood flow to the brain, it can cause loss of millions of nerve cells. Hence restoring the blood flow to the brain with medication becomes crucial for complete recovery from stroke.

The saying ‘Time is Brain’ is very appropriate and you must come to hospital as soon as you or someone you know have stroke symptoms.

Prevention of Stroke

• Blood Pressure (BP <140/90)
• Diabetes (average blood sugar called HbA1C <7)
• Cholesterol (Low-Density Lipoprotein – LDL <100)
• Quit Smoking
• Exercise (at least 30 minutes of brisk walking daily)
• Eating fibre-rich foods & less carbohydrate food
• Practice Yoga & Meditation
• Reduce stress
• Good Sleep