Air pollution, rising temperature linked to hike in number of stroke cases

Amidst the severe impacts of climate change, a study has revealed that air pollution and rising temperatures are causing an increase in strokes or paralysis cases around the world. 

A research study published in The Lancet Neurology stated that the number of stroke cases has surged in the past three decades due to air pollution and rising temperatures, while lifestyle factors have also contributed to the increase. 

Stroke affects 12 million people yearly and claims 7 million lives annually around the world.

The statistics added in the study revealed that from 1990 to 2021, there has been a 70 percent increase in stroke cases, while the number of deaths has risen by 44 percent and disability caused by stroke has grown by 32 percent.

"Despite being largely preventable, stroke remains a growing global health issue," Prof Valery Feigin, lead author of the study, said.

Nevertheless, he described the current prevention strategies as inadequate, “The number of people dying from and living with the effects of stroke is rising quickly.”

The study described 23 factors responsible for 84 percent of cases, of which air pollution, rising temperatures, smoking, high blood pressure, and high body weight are the leading causes of stroke.

Particulates in the air are also linked to deadly brain hemorrhages. 

“Air Pollution and rising temperature are playing a larger role in strokes than ever before,” Dr. Catherine O. Johnson, co-author of the study, said.

According to the study, low and middle-income countries such as India, Nigeria, and Bangladesh are highly impacted, where three-quarters of deaths were reported due to stroke-related disease.

The stroke rate in Sub-Saharan Africa and Central Asia is 10 times higher than in high-income countries like the US and Australia.

Dr Johnson, a lead research scientist at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation in the US, warned that the growing stroke burden in younger populations will continue to rise unless preventive action is taken. 

Additionally, lifestyle factors such as low physical activity, diet, and high sugary drinks are also contributors to stroke cases.