Latest news with #IndianStrokeAssociation
New Indian Express
21-07-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
Call for urgent steps as stroke cases increase
HYDERABAD: With stroke cases on the rise, experts from the Indian Stroke Association (ISA) have called for urgent intervention and public awareness. On Sunday, the ISA, along with the API Hyderabad chapter and SEMI, held a 'Stroke Master Class' ahead of World Brain Day on July 22. The campaign, themed 'Brain Stroke – Time to Act', stressed the need for quick, proactive management to save lives and reduce disability. ISA president Dr P Vijaya said brain stroke can strike anyone, regardless of age, gender, education or economic status. 'Every minute during a stroke, 20 lakh brain cells die. Hence the phrase, 'Time is Brain',' she said. She added that ischemic stroke, caused by a blood clot blocking a vessel, is the most common type, and the most effective treatment is IV thrombolysis, a clot-busting injection. 'However, in India, only 1% of eligible patients receive this evidence-based treatment, mainly due to delays in recognising symptoms and reaching a stroke-ready hospital within the golden window of 4.5 hours.' Doctors noted that a stroke occurs every 20 seconds in India, with over 18 lakh cases reported yearly. They called for a nationwide stroke action plan.
The Hindu
20-07-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
India records 18 lakh new brain stroke cases every year, nationwide campaign launched
India records a brain stroke every 20 seconds, amounting to over 18 lakh new cases each year, yet public awareness about prevention and timely treatment remains low, said medical experts at the launch of the stroke awareness campaign titled 'Brain Stroke - Time to Act'. Speaking at the event, president of the Indian Stroke Association, stressed that brain stroke can happen to anyone, regardless of age, gender, education or economic background. She pointed out that while ischemic stroke is the most common type in India, only 1% of eligible patients receive IV thrombolysis, a clot-busting injection that can improve outcomes if administered within the golden window of 4.5 hours from symptom onset. 'Recognising symptoms like sudden weakness, difficulty speaking or loss of vision is crucial,' she said. Subhash Kaul, consultant neurologist at KIMS Hospital, Secunderabad, highlighted the need for timely intervention in cases of intracerebral haemorrhage, the deadliest form of stroke caused by brain bleeding. Public education plays a major role in early detection,' he noted. ISA treasurer Salil Uppal drew attention to the strong link between hypertension and stroke, revealing that one in four Indian adults suffers from high blood pressure. 'Hypertension is the single most important risk factor for strokes, particularly haemorrhagic ones,' he said, urging all adults above the age of 18 to check their blood pressure at least once a year. The campaign has been launched by the ISA in collaboration with the Indian Association of Physicians-Hyderabad Chapter and the Society for Emergency Medicine India.
Hindustan Times
26-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Don't wait for a stroke to wake you up: Here's how to take control of your blood pressure now
Hypertension is a common problem in many Indians, yet most remain unaware. Regular screening, lifestyle changes and awareness can prevent deadly outcomes like stroke, heart attack and kidney failure. Forget fancy health trends: Here's how easy it is to prevent 80% of strokes.(Image by Pexels) According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), in India, 1 out of every 4 adults has hypertension, yet only half are even aware and just 12% have it under control. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr P Vijaya, Senior Neurologist and President of the Indian Stroke Association (ISA), shared, 'Hypertension, or high blood pressure, means a reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher. Risk factors include family history, obesity, alcohol, smoking, unhealthy eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle.' Youth's cardiovascular health is at risk as hypertension cases rise among young adults. (Shutterstock) He explained, 'This is dangerous because high blood pressure is a silent killer and damages the body over time, leading to serious conditions like brain stroke, heart attack, paralysis, kidney failure, peripheral vascular disease, and even blindness. Brain strokes caused by blood clots or bleeding are one of the major risks of uncontrolled hypertension.' Dr P Vijaya elaborated, 'Brain stroke is a leading cause of death and disability. In India, every minute, 3 people get it, and more than 18 lakh people suffer from brain stroke, among these, 25% are below 40 years. 80% of strokes are preventable. Regular monitoring and proper control of blood pressure can prevent up to 50% of strokes. Hence, it is necessary to check BP and stop a stroke.' When you are sitting in one position without moving, it can also affect your blood circulation and blood pressure which can further aggravate health issues. (Pexels) He suggested, 'Adults aged 18 and above should get screened for hypertension because prevention starts with awareness and timely action. This is a simple yet powerful step toward saving lives. Check your and your loved one's BP today.' BP measurement checklist Measure the blood pressure of all adults ≥ 30 years No talking during and between measurements Cuff at heart level Back supported Arm supported Use the correct cuff size and positioning- small, medium, or large. The ideal cuff bladder length is at least 80% of the person's arm circumference. Cuff width should cover at least 40% of the person's upper arm. Ensure the cuff is on a bare arm or a thin layer of clothing. Avoid bunching clothes under the cuff. Record the exact reading, don't round off Legs uncrossed and feet supported Ensure the person has not exercised, had tea/coffee, or used tobacco in the last 30 minutes The person should rest comfortably and quietly for 5 minutes before the reading. Habits that could add years to your life According to Dr Arvind Sharma, Secretary of the Indian Stroke Association (ISA) these are the BP stages: 1. Normal: 120 / 80 mmHg 2. Border Line: 120–139 / 80–89 mmHg 3. B.P. Stage – 1: 140–159 / 90–99 mmHg 4. B.P. Stage – 2: 160–179 / 100–109 mmHg 5. B.P. Stage – 3: 180+ / 110+ mmHg 'Everyone should stay vigilant and prevent hypertension. Reducing salt intake to less than 5g daily, eating fruits and vegetables regularly, avoiding saturated fats and trans fats, tobacco and alcohol, taking medication, and being physically active every day can help prevent hypertension. Adhere to these essential tips, manage BP, prevent a stroke and improve your quality of life,' Dr Arvind Sharma advised. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Hans India
19-05-2025
- Health
- Hans India
‘Check BP - Stop Stroke' campaign launched
Ongole: The Indian Stroke Association (ISA) conducted 'Check BP - Stop Stroke' awareness programme, in collaboration with Indian Red Cross Society, Rotary Club, and Ongole branch of the Indian Medical Association, at the IMA Hall here on Sunday. Dr Venkateswarlu, Medical and Health Officer of Prakasam district, attended as the chief guest, while ISA president Dr Vijaya, IMA Ongole president Dr Siva Sitaramaiah, IMA Ongole Secretary Dr Mani Babu, NCD Programme Officer Dr Bhagiratha, and senior neurosurgeons Dr Sundar Rao and Dr Madhu Kiran Reddy attended as guests. During the event, DMHO Dr Venkateswarlu assured that the government would fully support this 'Check BP - Stop Stroke' campaign. Dr Siva Sitaramaiah highlighted that many patients discontinue blood pressure medications after temporary improvement, leading to dangerous complications. ISA President Dr Vijaya delivered a presentation on 'Hypertension and Stroke', revealing alarming statistics that three people suffer brain strokes every minute in India. She said that over 1.80 million Indians are affected by stroke annually, with 25 percent of patients being under 40 years of age. She emphasised that 80 percent of strokes can be prevented through awareness. As part of the campaign that included free blood pressure testing services, Dr Venkateswarlu and Dr Vijaya inaugurated a mobile BP bus. Dr Arvind Sharma, the ISA Secretary, announced plans to expand this initiative across all districts in Andhra Pradesh and nationwide. Healthcare workers, including ANMs and ASHA workers, enthusiastically participated in the programme. They pledged to take this campaign to every household by conducting BP checks and raising awareness throughout the community.
New Indian Express
27-04-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
‘Check BP – Stop Stroke' campaign launched in Guntur
VIJAYAWADA: Special Chief Secretary for Health, Medical and Family Welfare, Sri MT Krishna Babu, inaugurated the 'Check BP – Stop Stroke' campaign at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in Guntur on Friday. Krishna praised Dr Vijaya, President of the Indian Stroke Association (ISA), for initiating the campaign to raise awareness about controlling high blood pressure to prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney failure. He flagged off the mobile BP screening bus and highlighted the government's efforts to provide free hypertension medication through PHCs, CHCs, and government hospitals. ISA President Vijaya explained that hypertension is the leading cause of brain strokes, which affect over 18 lakh people annually in India, with 25% of cases occurring in individuals under 40 years. She stressed that 80% of strokes are preventable through BP monitoring. Dr Arvind Sharma, Secretary of ISA, announced plans to extend the campaign across AP and other states. Free BP checks will be conducted at various centres across Guntur.
