Stroke is no longer just a disease of old age. A new analysis by the Indian Council of Medical Research has revealed a worrying trend, one in seven stroke patients in India falls in the 18-44 age group, signalling a major shift in how the disease is affecting the population.

The findings, based on over 34,000 cases across multiple hospitals, highlight a growing public health concern where younger, working-age adults are increasingly vulnerable to a condition once associated mainly with the elderly.

According to a study published in journal SageChoice, stroke has emerged as a major public health challenge in India, now ranking as the fourth leading cause of death and the fifth leading cause of disability.Stroke In Young Indians: A Growing Concern

The data shows that around 13.8% of stroke cases occur in people aged 18-44, underlining that strokes are striking earlier in life in India compared to many Western countries. What makes this trend more alarming is the delay in treatment.

Nearly two in five patients reach hospitals more than 24 hours after symptoms begin, significantly reducing their chances of recovery. Experts say this delay often leads to severe complications, long-term disability or even death.

Source:Ndtv