Do South Asians stand a higher risk of Stroke?

Stroke or Brain Attack  is caused by blockage of arteries or veins in the brain or by bleeding in the brain. It is essential for everyone to remember  FASTER  to be able to identify stroke and seek treatment immediately. The term FASTER stands for F - Facial droop A - Arm or Leg weakness S - Speech disturbance T - Time - Call 108 immediately E - Early - Seek immediate treatment R - Restore blood supply to the brain Studies have shown that stroke related deaths are higher among people of South Asian descent (India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh).

The prevalence of high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiac disease, smoking, obesity, rheumatic heart disease, infective meningitis and postpartum stroke are higher in these countries than elsewhere. As such, it is no surprise that the incidence of stroke is also higher in these countries. Added to this is the fact that the level of awareness…