Experts warn of high stroke incidence in Kashmir

Srinagar, Oct 28: Leading neurologists and cardiologists in Kashmir have issued a call to prioritize stroke prevention and management, citing worrying trends in the incidence and nature of strokes in the region. On the eve of World Stroke Day, experts highlighted the pressing need for public awareness and improved healthcare strategies to tackle what has been declared a global health emergency, Dr Bashir Ahmed Sanaie, Head of the Department of Neurology at GMC Srinagar, noted that stroke is the second most common cause of death and the third leading cause of disability worldwide. “Although research on stroke incidence in Kashmir is limited, available studies suggest that stroke rates here may be higher than in other parts of the country,” he said, urging that addressing this crisis should be a priority.Experts advocate for a multi-faceted approach, focusing on prevention, rapid symptom identification, and immediate expert intervention to curb the rising incidence of stroke in Kashmir and save lives. Dr Sanaie said his department was actively involved in educating patients and the general population about the risk factors of stroke and had advanced in management and quality of life after stroke.Adding depth to the discussion, former GMC Srinagar Neurology Head Dr Parvez Ahmed Shah presented findings from his extensive research on strokes in Kashmir. “Globally, ischemic strokes, caused by vessel blockages, are most common. However, in Kashmir, hemorrhagic strokes, which result from blood vessel ruptures, are more prevalent,” Dr Shah said, attributing this to high hypertension rates, smoking, dyslipidemia, diabetes, and inconsistent adherence to hypertension medications. He emphasized the need to reduce salt intake, noting that many in Kashmir consume 8 to 10 gm per day, largely due to the traditional consumption of salted tea (Noon Chai). “For those with hypertension, salt intake should be limited to less than 2 grams daily,” he advised, also cautioning against over-the-counter cold medications, which can increase blood pressure.