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Hyderabad, October 29 – On the occasion of World Stroke Day, observed annually on October 29, healthcare experts in Hyderabad are making an urgent appeal for greater public awareness and proactive action against stroke-related health risks. At a press conference held at the Media Plus Auditorium on Tuesday evening, neurologists and other specialists from Glenfield Mallareddy Brain and Heart Hospital emphasized the importance of recognizing stroke symptoms promptly and acting within a critical four-hour window to minimize potentially severe, irreversible brain damage.
Dr. Shakeeb Ahrar, a leading neurophysician, explained, “A stroke disrupts blood flow to the brain due to either a blockage or a blood vessel rupture, both of which can be life-threatening if not treated swiftly.” According to Dr. Ahrar, the two primary types of strokes include ischemic stroke, caused by a blood clot or plaque buildup blocking a major artery, and haemorrhagic stroke, which occurs when a blood vessel bursts within the brain, leading to serious complications.
“Ischemic strokes are the most common,” explained Dr. Mohammed Ali, a noted neurosurgeon, “and occur when a blocked artery prevents essential oxygen from reaching brain tissue.” Meanwhile, haemorrhagic strokes, according to Dr. Satish Kumar, result from a ruptured blood vessel within the brain that causes pressure on surrounding tissues, posing life-threatening risks if immediate care is not provided.
Health experts also highlighted the significance of early symptom recognition through the FAST acronym—Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to call emergency services. Dr. Mohammed Yousuf, a general physician and diabetologist, urged the public to use this acronym to recognize warning signs and take immediate action, as early intervention can be crucial in preventing long-term damage. Neurologist Dr. Younus Ansari emphasized that prompt diagnosis at the first signs of a stroke can greatly improve recovery outcomes.
Lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol use, and high LDL cholesterol levels were also highlighted as contributors to increased stroke risk. Physicians advised regular health monitoring, with LDL levels ideally kept below 100 mg/dL. “Every minute lost during a stroke results in the death of over 1.2 million brain cells, which cannot be regenerated,” they warned, underscoring the need for timely scans and diagnostics.
In conclusion, medical experts urged the public to adopt healthier lifestyles, stay informed about stroke symptoms, and act swiftly to ensure timely medical care, ultimately aiming to reduce the impact of stroke on individuals and the community.
