In India, one in five of the patients are under the age of 40, as per the experts. Recently, a 34-year-old financial analyst Jayraj Jadeja (name changed) suddenly experienced facial drooping, his family acted swiftly, rushing him to hospital where he was diagnosed with a stroke. Thanks to prompt medical intervention, he avoided severe complications. His case, however, highlights a concerning trend: strokes are no longer a condition affecting only the elderly.
“While the median age for stroke in India remains between 60-65 years, we are seeing a shift. Today, one in five of our stroke patients is under 40,” said Dr Hetal Parikh, a neurologist at Shalby Hospitals. “This trend reflects the earlier onset of related health issues, such as hypertension, dyslipidaemia (abnormal lipid levels in the blood), and diabetes. Additionally, advancements in diagnostics allow us to identify cases sooner.”
Other specialists across the city are witnessing similar patterns. Dr Kalpesh Shah, neurologist at Zydus Hospital, estimated that 20-25% of stroke cases now involve younger individuals or patients with significant stroke risk factors. “Stroke is complex, influenced by a range of factors from genetic predispositions – known as monogenic factors – to lifestyle and underlying health conditions,” he explained.
Despite the absence of population-based stroke registries in Gujarat, EMRI 108 data for 2024 shows a concerning increase. From 1 January to 27 October, ambulances transported 10,420 patients presenting with stroke-like symptoms, equating to an average of 35 cases each day. Officials note that this number has risen over the years, reflecting an emerging public health issue that demands attention across age groups.
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