Air pollution and rising temperatures linked to increase in number of strokes globally - Stroke causes over 7 million deaths annually

For the first time, a study on Thursday, 19 September showed that ambient particulate matter air pollution is a top risk factor for subarachnoid haemorrhage -- a type of brain stroke -- at par with smoking.

A Lancet study has revealed that over 11 million stroke cases were reported in 2021, which has risen by 70% since 1990.

Researchers discovered that the impact of high temperatures on poor health and premature death from stroke has risen by 72% since 1990, with this trend expected to continue. This underscores the growing influence of environmental factors on the increasing stroke burden.

Globally, the number of people experiencing a stroke for the first time rose to 119 lakh in 2021 -- up by 70% since 1990 -- while deaths related to stroke rose to 73 lakh, which was up by 44% since 1990,

Air pollution, high temperatures, and risk factors such as obesity and high blood pressure are driving global increases in stroke, research suggests. Although stroke is very preventable and treatable,

Incidence of stroke and related deaths are rising substantially around the world, with air pollution, high temperatures and metabolic risk factors such as high blood pressure and physical inactivity,