Stroke cases increased by over 50% in Punjab,say experts

These points were discussed at the 8th National Stroke Conference organised by the department of neurology,Christian Medical College on Friday.

High fat in the diet,changed lifestyle and alcohol consumption are major contributers to a stroke which can also be called a brain attack. In the past 10 years,in Punjab alone,the number of patients has increased by more than 50% because of all these reasons and youngsters constitute a large number of them.

These points were discussed at the 8th National Stroke Conference organised by the department of neurology,Christian Medical College on Friday.

Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Madan Mohan Mittal was the chief guest. In his inaugural address,he said stroke is the second common cause of death and fourth leading cause of disability worldwide. In India,40-50% of stroke patients are left with permanent disability. From the ongoing Indian Council of Medical Research-funded stroke survey conducted by CMC,in Ludhiana city the incidence rate,i.e. number of new cases every year,is 162 per 1,00,000 population.

Mittal also released the stroke solidarity string which is an Indigo-coloured string as a symbol of stroke support and awareness across the world.

Dr Manoj Sobti,president of Indian Medical Association,Punjab,said,Cholesterol levels increase due to high fats and proteins in our diet and later they narrow blood vessels which supply blood to the brain. The reduced supply of blood to brain causes stroke. Punjabis specially eat high fat diet at night along with alcohol. This is a major cause of stroke.

Asserting that CMC has a comprehensive stroke programme to cater to the needs of the patients,Dr Abraham G Thomas,director of CMC,Ludhiana,appreciated the efforts of the department of neurology to organise the conference. He said Ludhiana city and Punjab had a very high number of stroke patients.

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram