The New 'Heartland Crisis': Why Are Rural India's Youth Getting Strokes At 30?

There is a dramatic rise in stroke cases, especially among the younger population of India - this is a fact everyone has become painfully aware of recently. According to the National Stroke Registry's longitudinal study spanning 20 years (1990-2020), this rise in stroke cases is being observed in rural populations too, and this is quite alarming. The data suggests that there is a 10.9% rise in stroke cases in the rural general population, and this presents a new crisis in the rural India demographic, where people are getting strokes and suffering from the after-effects of a serious health condition. Stroke is no longer the disease of old age, but has become a heartland crisis, disproportionately impact of strokes on the young population in rural India. 

In order to understand why strokes have become a crisis, there is a need to understand lifestyle changes, systemic challenges, and environmental factors that contribute to an environment where strokes are becoming increasingly common. The alarming shift in stroke cases is that it is not just an elderly disease, but is affecting the younger population. The average age of stroke patients in India has decreased, as per reports from The Lancet journal (2023), which confirms that the age at which people are getting strokes has reduced significantly.

There are two main types of strokes, namely:

These types of strokes are more prevalent in younger patients from rural India.

What Is The Impact Of Stroke On Rural India?

The after-effects of stroke are devastating to deal with, as the severe long-term impact on families is unimaginable. Both financially and mentally, long-term care is necessary depending on the severity and type of stroke. And the national economy suffers an economic setback as the young workforce is losing the ability to work and contribute to the growth of the country.

In addition, the rural Indian population has restricted access to healthcare and understanding of medical conditions that devastate the young population. This results in worse patient outcomes and an increase in cases of debilitating health conditions after an episode of stroke.

What Are The Root Causes Of Stroke?

The preventable risk factors of stroke are the silent killers that make stroke increasingly common in the younger population. A combination of the lifestyle and the environment makes an ideal setting for stroke to strike and cause disruption in the healthy bodily functioning.

The presence of hypertension in young adults due to stress, diet, and lack of regular health check-ups increases the chances of developing stroke.

In addition, increased reliance on processed foods and cold drinks dramatically increases stroke risk. Instead of fresh foods to get daily nutrition, people tend to consume foods with high salt and high sugar content. This creates an ever-changing diet filled with health risks that is directly correlated to stroke risk.

Increased reliance on tobacco and alcohol makes for a significant chance of getting a stroke at a young age. And given the frequency of rural India and its dependence on alcohol and chewing tobacco, the chances of developing a stroke increases.

The aspect of reduced physical activity post-adolescence is one of the key factors that makes the younger population susceptible to stroke.

What Are The Systemic Hurdles That Prevent Stroke Diagnosis?

The systemic issues that prevent stroke diagnosis are the geographical and socioeconomic challenges.

• Namely, there is a gap in access while receiving primary healthcare centres and a lack of specialized neurologists in remote India.
• The critical golden hour is often missed due to travel time and, lack of awareness, leading to poorer patient outcomes.
• Financial strain is caused due to the high cost of care, which prevents follow-up care and long-term rehabilitation of stroke patients.

What Are The Early Warning Signs Of Preventing Risks Of Stroke In Youth?

The heartland crisis created by stroke in rural India is urgent and a growing problem. It's of utmost importance that they undergo early screening for themselves and young family members.

Disclaimer: This content, including advice, provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.

References:

The Lancet Regional Health - Southeast Asia, Volume 23, 100308

Kostis, J., Zinonos, S., Cabrera, J., & Kostis, W. (2018). GEOGRAPHIC VARIABILITY IN THE DECLINE OF THE INCIDENCE OF FATAL AND NON-FATAL STROKE. Journal of Hypertension.

Direct estimates of disability-adjusted life years lost due to stroke : a cross-sectional observational study in a demographic surveillance site in rural Gadchiroli, India | BMJ