Pakistan reports 1,000 stroke cases daily: experts

As many as 1,000 people suffer from stroke in Pakistan regularly, which is causing 400 deaths daily in the country, according to medical experts.

Addressing a press conference at Karachi Press Club, neurologist Muhammad Wasay demanded free treatment for patients suffering from stroke blood pressure and diabetes and an increase in the number of stroke cure centres.

“Stroke is increasing alarmingly, at least, thousand cases of stroke and 400 fatalities of it are being reported regularly in the country,” Dr Wasay said.

He said that one-third majority of the country suffers from blood pressure-related issues. 40 percent smokers and 16 percent Gutka eaters face diseases.

Increased use of e-cigarettes and environmental pollution are other factors contributing to the disease.

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.