Stroke remains one of the leading causes of long-term disability and continues to claim countless lives across the globe. To raise awareness about this life-threatening condition and its complications, World Stroke Day is observed every year on October 29. The theme for 2025, “Every Minute Counts,” highlights the urgency of quick medical response.Although a stroke can happen to anyone at any age, certain health factors can make the risk much higher. Understanding these risk factors and managing them early is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones. Among them, learning to identify early warning signs through the FAST formula and keeping conditions like high blood pressure in check are crucial.To understand more about stroke awareness and prevention, we spoke to Dr Madhukar Bhardwaj, Director and HOD – Neurology, Aakash Healthcare, and Dr Rajas Y, Consultant and Head – Neurology, Jupiter Hospital, Pune.What Is a Stroke?A stroke occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted, either due to a blockage or internal bleeding. When the brain is deprived of oxygen, its cells start dying within minutes, leading to sudden loss of speech, movement, or consciousness.As per the Cleveland Clinic, strokes are the second leading cause of death globally and the fifth leading cause in the United States. Yet, experts say that nearly half of these cases can be avoided or treated more effectively if medical help is received in time.Dr Bhardwaj explains, “The key to survival and recovery is knowing the symptoms and acting immediately.”What Is The F.A.S.T. Formula for Early Stroke DetectionA stroke strikes suddenly, and its outcome depends on how quickly one recognises the warning signs. The FAST formula which is short for Face, Arms, Speech, and Time, helps people identify a possible stroke and respond without delay.F – Face: Ask the person to smile. Notice if one side of their face droops.A – Arms: Ask them to lift both arms. See if one drifts downward or feels weak.S – Speech: Ask them to repeat a short sentence. Check if their words sound slurred or unusual.T – Time: If any of these signs appear, don’t wait—call emergency services immediately.Dr Bhardwaj adds, “If someone suddenly falls or their speech becomes unclear for no obvious reason, act at once. Every second matters.”With Stroke, Every Minute CountsThe first four and a half hours after the onset of stroke symptoms are known as the “golden window.” During this time, clot-busting drugs or medical procedures can help restore blood flow to the brain and prevent permanent damage.Dr Bhardwaj explains, “If a large vessel is blocked and this window is missed, recovery becomes much harder. Nearly two million brain cells die every minute that treatment is delayed. In a stroke, time truly is brain.”Does High Blood Pressure Cause Stroke?High blood pressure, or hypertension, is one of the biggest risk factors for stroke, and importantly, it is preventable. Constant high pressure damages and narrows blood vessels, which can either rupture or become blocked, leading to ischemic or hemorrhagic strokes.“Over time, uncontrolled blood pressure weakens the blood vessel walls, making them fragile and prone to rupture,” says Dr Rajas. “It also causes plaque buildup, which restricts blood flow to the brain.”Because it often has no visible symptoms, hypertension is called a silent killer. Some people may occasionally experience headaches, dizziness, or nosebleeds, but these signs usually appear only when blood pressure has reached dangerous levels. Detecting it early is key to preventing stroke and other complications.The Importance of Regular Check-UpsMonitoring blood pressure regularly is one of the simplest ways to lower your risk of stroke. Adults should get their blood pressure checked at least once every two years, and more frequently if they have additional risks such as obesity, smoking, or a family history of hypertension.Routine medical visits help doctors keep track of your blood pressure, adjust treatment if necessary, and suggest helpful lifestyle changes. Staying proactive with these check-ups can make a major difference in long-term health.Can You Have a Stroke With Normal Blood Pressure?While high blood pressure is a major cause, strokes can also happen to people with normal readings. Other risk factors play a role, including:Atrial fibrillation: An irregular heartbeat that allows clots to travel to the brain.High cholesterol: Causes plaque buildup that narrows or blocks arteries.Diabetes: Damages blood vessels and increases stroke risk.Lifestyle habits: Smoking, heavy alcohol use, and certain drugs can heighten the risk.
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