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Ishita Roy

Delhi Air Pollution: Think Pollution Only Hurts Your Lungs? Doctors Say It Can Cause Strokes Too

A recent study published in <strong><em>The Lancet</em></strong> highlighted a strong link between long-term air pollution exposure and the growing burden of stroke, especially in the young population. With the Air Quality Index (AQI) continuously hovering in the 'very poor' category, experts are now warning people of strokes. 

Doctors say that exposure to pollutants like PM2.5, No2, and CO can raise the stroke risks. This can also trigger stroke within hours even after short-term exposure. 

A stroke is a medical emergency that happens when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or a blood vessel in the brain bursts. This causes brain cells to die from a lack of oxygen and nutrients. This leads to lasting brain damage, disability and even death. 

<h2>What Is The Link Between Pollution And Stroke?</h2>

As per the recent study, pollution-related inflammation and stress could catalyze damage even in healthy individuals. Doctors say that toxic particles in the air can cause your blood vessels to get inflamed and also increase the risk of hypertension and diabetes. 

<h2>Air Pollution And Hypertension: How It Leads To An Increase Risk Of Stroke</h2>

<strong><em>The Journal of Cardiology Practice </em></strong>notes that air pollution is a complex mixture of particulate matter or (PM), and gaseous components that can have an independent effect on the body, or through potentially synergistic and antagonistic effects. The journal further notes that epidemiological findings demonstrate particulate pollutants cause significant increases in BP levels in relation to both short- and long-term exposures, with robust evidence for exposures to PM2.5. 

The journal notes that due to an increase in the blood pressure, there exists a bidirectional relationship between air pollution and cardiovascular disease risk factors. Thus, the risk of stroke gets increased.

<h2>How Risky Is Air Pollution For You?</h2>

As per the <strong>Indian Stroke Association</strong>, there is a stroke case every 20 seconds, with over 18 lakh new cases annually. This alarming number associated with the stroke age has dropped to 50-60 years in the country, as compared to 60 to 70 in the West. 

While doctors recommend at least 20 minutes of exercise daily, the guidelines issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) advise people to stay indoors when the AQI crosses 150. However, even staying indoors is not safe. Several studies have found that the air inside the city homes have 12 times more fungal spokes than the WHO safety limits. 

hey can cause skin allergies, respiratory issues, and anxiety. As per a 2021 study by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC India), PM 2.5 levels for low-income and high-income households in Delhi were high during the winters. The concentrations reported 23 and 29 times higher than the WHO safe limits, respectively. These findings also suggested that high-income households were 13 times more likely to own air purifiers than low-income households.

<h2>How To Recognize Stroke Symptoms?</h2>

As per Dr Ashish Gosar, Consultant Neurologist at Saifee Hospitals, "When it comes to stroke, every second counts." The doctor says that the first 4.5 hours from the onset of symptoms is the most crucial period. 

The doctors can administer a thrombolytic agent, a clot-busting drug that restores blood flow to the brain. Before giving this medicine, doctors perform urgent imaging, like a CT scan or MRI, to confirm that the stroke is caused by a clot and not bleeding.

Acting within this timeframe can significantly reduce brain damage and improve recovery outcomes.

Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/world-stroke-day-2025-theme-origin-significance-and-the-befast-trick-that-could-help-you-detect-early-signs-of-stroke-according-to-doctor-article-153067521" data-type="tilCustomLink">The 'BEFAST' Trick Could Help You Detect Your Stroke Before It Happens, According To Doctor</a>

<ul><li>Aphasia, or speaking, or a complete loss of speech</li><li>Blurred or double vision</li><li>Confusion or agitation</li><li>Coma</li><li>Dizziness and vertigo</li><li>Headaches</li><li>Loss of muscle control on one side</li><li>Loss of coordination</li><li>Nausea and vomiting</li><li>Neck stiffness</li><li>Slurred speech</li><li>Seizures</li><li>Sudden worsening or loss of your senses</li></ul>

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A recent study published in The Lancet highlighted a strong link between long-term air pollution exposure and the growing burden of stroke, especially in the young population. With the Air Quality Index (AQI) continuously hovering in the 'very poor' category, experts are now warning people of strokes. Doctors say that exposure to pollutants like PM2.5, No2, and CO can raise the stroke risks. This can also trigger stroke within hours even after short-term exposure. What Is A Stroke?A stroke is a medical emergency that happens when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or a blood vessel in the brain bursts. This causes brain cells to die from a lack of oxygen and nutrients. This leads to lasting brain damage, disability and even death. What Is The Link Between Pollution And Stroke?As per the recent study, pollution-related inflammation and stress could catalyze damage even in healthy individuals. Doctors say that toxic particles in the air can cause your blood vessels to get inflamed and also increase the risk of hypertension and diabetes. Air Pollution And Hypertension: How It Leads To An Increase Risk Of StrokeThe Journal of Cardiology Practice notes that air pollution is a complex mixture of particulate matter or (PM), and gaseous components that can have an independent effect on the body, or through potentially synergistic and antagonistic effects. The journal further notes that epidemiological findings demonstrate particulate pollutants cause significant increases in BP levels in relation to both short- and long-term exposures, with robust evidence for exposures to PM2.5. The journal notes that due to an increase in the blood pressure, there exists a bidirectional relationship between air pollution and cardiovascular disease risk factors. Thus, the risk of stroke gets increased.How Risky Is Air Pollution For You?As per the Indian Stroke Association, there is a stroke case every 20 seconds, with over 18 lakh new cases annually. This alarming number associated with the stroke age has dropped to 50-60 years in the country, as compared to 60 to 70 in the West. While doctors recommend at least 20 minutes of exercise daily, the guidelines issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) advise people to stay indoors when the AQI crosses 150. However, even staying indoors is not safe. Several studies have found that the air inside the city homes have 12 times more fungal spokes than the WHO safety limits. hey can cause skin allergies, respiratory issues, and anxiety. As per a 2021 study by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC India), PM 2.5 levels for low-income and high-income households in Delhi were high during the winters. The concentrations reported 23 and 29 times higher than the WHO safe limits, respectively. These findings also suggested that high-income households were 13 times more likely to own air purifiers than low-income households.How To Recognize Stroke Symptoms?As per Dr Ashish Gosar, Consultant Neurologist at Saifee Hospitals, "When it comes to stroke, every second counts." The doctor says that the first 4.5 hours from the onset of symptoms is the most crucial period. The doctors can administer a thrombolytic agent, a clot-busting drug that restores blood flow to the brain. Before giving this medicine, doctors perform urgent imaging, like a CT scan or MRI, to confirm that the stroke is caused by a clot and not bleeding.Acting within this timeframe can significantly reduce brain damage and improve recovery outcomes.Read: The 'BEFAST' Trick Could Help You Detect Your Stroke Before It Happens, According To DoctorCommon Symptoms Of StrokeAphasia, or speaking, or a complete loss of speechBlurred or double visionConfusion or agitationComaDizziness and vertigoHeadachesLoss of muscle control on one sideLoss of coordinationNausea and vomitingNeck stiffnessSlurred speechSeizuresSudden worsening or loss of your senses

delhi air pollution: think pollution only hurts your lungs? doctors say it can cause strokes too

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