Stroke is a serious problem that is a major cause of death and disability worldwide. This happens when the veins that supply blood to the brain either burst or the blood flow in them suddenly stops. Every year thousands of people lose their lives or become permanently disabled due to stroke. This problem is responsible for about 10.7% of deaths and 5.6% of life years lost (DALYs) worldwide. The Gurugram-based Dr. Gaurav Goyal, Director and Head, Department of Neurology, Neurosciences, Medanta reported that recent studies in China have shown an alarming link between air pollution and an increased risk of stroke. For example, a study in Beijing showed that when the level of PM2.5 particles in the air increased, the risk of hospitalization due to ischemic stroke increased by 7.1%.
These figures show how increasing pollution in our environment is becoming a big threat to our health. This danger can be reduced by clean air, healthy lifestyle and timely health checkups.
How is the risk of stroke due to air pollution?
Air pollution and climate change play a big role in increasing the risk of serious diseases like stroke. Fine particles (PM2.5) and other pollutants found in cities, forest fires and areas affected by heatwaves enter our lungs with the air and mix with the blood. These increase inflammation and damage the veins, increasing the risk of blood clots forming, which can lead to stroke.
The elderly, people with health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure, and those who live in highly polluted areas are at higher risk of stroke due to long-term exposure to air pollution. It is important to recognize the early symptoms of stroke, such as sudden weakness, numbness, confusion, severe headache, and trouble speaking so that timely treatment can be done.
Stroke is the world’s worst disease
Stroke is becoming a major health problem worldwide. According to estimates, about 2,33,520 men and 2,17,732 women may die from stroke by 2040. This means that every year out of 1,00,000 people, about 607 men and 479 women may fall prey to it. Nowadays, cases of stroke are increasing even among the youth, which shows how important it is to take steps to reduce this problem.
Air pollution is a major cause of stroke
Science is now clearly showing that air pollution plays a big role in increasing the risk of stroke. Small particles like PM2.5 emitted from factories and vehicles get mixed with the blood and reach the lungs. These weaken the nerves and cause swelling. Additionally, pollutants such as ozone (O3) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) increase the risk of stroke by causing oxidative stress and nerve damage in the body.
Children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory or heart diseases are more affected by the effects of air pollution. It is very important to take special steps to keep these vulnerable groups safe.
Climate change increases the risk of stroke
Climate change affects health and also increases the risk of stroke. Due to rising global temperatures, it becomes difficult to regulate body temperature during heatwaves, which affects nerves and blood flow. Additionally, climate change increases the spread of certain diseases such as dengue. Diseases like dengue can also play a role in increasing the risk of stroke.
What is the solution?
A concrete and multidimensional plan is needed to reduce the threat of air pollution and climate change. Promoting sustainable transportation, imposing strict controls on pollution from vehicles and factories, and promoting the use of clean energy can help solve these problems.
The focus of public health programs should be to motivate people to adopt healthy lifestyles, make stroke treatment easily available, and spread awareness to explain the relationship between the environment and stroke risk.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It cannot in any way be a substitute for any medicine or treatment. Always consult your doctor for more information.
How can lifestyle changes help reduce the risk of stroke in polluted environments?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Dr. Gaurav Goyal, Director and Head, Department of Neurology, Medanta
Editor: Good morning, Dr. Goyal. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the pressing issue of stroke and its links to air pollution.
Dr. Goyal: Good morning! Thank you for having me. It’s a critical topic that needs more attention.
Editor: Recent studies have highlighted a concerning relationship between air pollution and stroke risk. Could you elaborate on that?
Dr. Goyal: Absolutely. Research, particularly from urban areas in China, shows a direct correlation between increased levels of PM2.5 particles in the air and the incidence of ischemic strokes. For instance, in Beijing, a rise in PM2.5 concentrations by just a small margin led to a 7.1% increase in hospitalizations for stroke. This is alarming.
Editor: That statistic really puts the problem into perspective. Given that stroke is already a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, how does air pollution exacerbate this?
Dr. Goyal: Great question. Air pollutants, particularly fine particulate matter like PM2.5, penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream. This process leads to inflammation and damage to blood vessels, increasing the likelihood of blood clot formation—one of the primary causes of strokes.
Editor: It sounds like those who are already vulnerable, such as the elderly or individuals with pre-existing health conditions, should be particularly cautious.
Dr. Goyal: Precisely. The elderly, people with diabetes or hypertension, and those living in areas with high pollution levels are at greater risk due to long-term exposure. It’s imperative for these groups to take extra precautions, like obtaining regular health screenings and minimizing exposure to polluted air.
Editor: Speaking of health screenings, what symptoms should individuals be vigilant about to catch a stroke early?
Dr. Goyal: Early recognition is crucial. Individuals should look for sudden weakness, especially on one side of the body, confusion, severe headaches with no prior cause, and difficulties speaking or understanding speech. If someone exhibits these symptoms, they must seek immediate medical attention.
Editor: With stroke rates projected to rise, especially among younger populations, what preventive measures do you recommend?
Dr. Goyal: Prevention starts with lifestyle changes. Maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, and managing stress can significantly reduce stroke risks. Importantly, addressing air pollution through community efforts—such as advocating for clean air policies and supporting greener transportation options—is critical.
Editor: It’s disheartening to hear how rising pollution levels can impact health. Are there any promising strategies or initiatives underway to combat air pollution?
Dr. Goyal: Yes, several initiatives globally aim to reduce emissions from industries and vehicles. In India, for instance, there are programs focusing on the adoption of cleaner fuels and improved urban planning to reduce traffic emissions. Community awareness and engagement in these efforts are essential for their success.
Editor: As we wrap up, what message do you want to impart to our readers about stroke and its connection to air pollution?
Dr. Goyal: I urge everyone to recognize that air quality is not merely an environmental issue; it’s a public health concern. By advocating for cleaner air and adopting healthier lifestyles, we can mitigate our risks. Awareness is the first step toward prevention.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Goyal, for sharing your insights today. This conversation underscores the urgent need to address air quality and its profound effects on our health.
Dr. Goyal: Thank you for highlighting this issue. It’s vital to keep the dialog going!