The number of stroke patients is increasing in Karachi, raising concerns among healthcare professionals
Dr. Imran Sarwar, Emergency Incharge at Civil Hospital Karachi, stated that stroke is no longer limited to the elderly young people are also being affected. Many of these younger patients are either unaware they suffer from conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes, or they are negligent in taking prescribed medications.
According to Dr. Imran, Karachi is currently reporting 8 to 10 stroke cases daily. He noted that previously, most cases involved blocked blood vessels in the brain. However, there has been a noticeable rise in brain hemorrhage (ruptured brain vessels) cases, which were previously rare.
Media reports quoting Dr. Imran Sarwar reveal that just three to four months ago, only 2 to 3 stroke patients were brought to the emergency ward each day. This number has now surged to 8 to 10 daily cases, and on some days, the figure has reached as high as 15.
Causes and Precautionary Measures:
Medical experts attribute the rise in stroke cases to factors such as high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, poor diet, and smoking. Dr. Imran has urged the public to avoid adding table salt to meals, consuming overly salty foods, and leading a sedentary lifestyle.
He emphasized that regular walking and simple exercise routines can help prevent strokes in more than half the cases. Experts also advise the public to adopt a healthy lifestyle and get their blood pressure checked regularly as a preventive measure.
