Air Pollution Increases Stroke Risk, Warns Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK)

Air Pollution Increases Stroke Risk, Warns Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK)

Asif Iqbal | October 29, 2023 | 04:18 PM IST | Kashmir | Follow on Google News

Air Pollution Increases Stroke Risk, Warns Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK).image/daily excelsior

Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) issued a stark warning on World Stroke Day, emphasizing that exposure to air pollution significantly raises the risk of stroke. DAK President Dr. Nisar ul Hassan stressed the alarming connection between poor air quality and the likelihood of suffering a stroke. Citing a recent study published in the Journal of Neurology, Dr. Hassan revealed that even a brief exposure of just five days to air pollutants could significantly elevate an individual’s stroke risk.

Short-term Exposure, Heightened Risk

Historically, research has established a strong correlation between long-term exposure to air pollution and an increased risk of stroke. However, the latest study highlights the alarming fact that even short-term exposure can pose a heightened risk. In this extensive analysis, over 18 million cases of ischemic stroke, the most common type of stroke resulting from a blood clot that obstructs a brain blood vessel, were scrutinized. Researchers examined various pollutants and varying sizes of particulate matter.

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Identifying the Culprits: Pollutants and Stroke Risk

The study’s findings revealed that exposure to specific air pollutants was directly linked to a substantial rise in stroke risk. Nitrogen dioxide exposure led to a 28% increase in the risk, carbon monoxide exposure to 26%, sulfur dioxide exposure to 15%, and ozone exposure to 5%. Moreover, a higher concentration of PM2.5 was associated with a 15% elevated risk of stroke, while PM10 and PM1 were linked to risks of 14% and 9%, respectively. Dr. Hassan stressed that elevated levels of air pollution were also associated with a higher risk of death from strokes.

Kashmir’s Air Quality Deterioration: A Growing Concern

Dr. Hassan expressed his concern about the continuous deterioration of air quality in Kashmir over the past few years. He attributed this degradation to the increasing number of vehicles, construction activities, brick kilns, cement production, and industrial factories emitting pollutants that significantly contaminate the air. Furthermore, he pointed out that during the winter months, the pollution reaches dangerous levels due to elevated biofuel emissions from the domestic sector.

Dr. Nisar highlighted a concerning trend: the rising number of stroke cases in Kashmir Valley. Notably, the surge isn’t limited to the elderly, as there has been an increase in stroke cases among young people. While traditional risk factors such as smoking, hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol remain pertinent, many patients without these risk factors are being admitted to hospitals with stroke symptoms, hinting at the potential role of air pollution.

In response to this growing public health crisis, Dr. Nisar emphasized the urgent need for policy initiatives aimed at reducing air pollution. Such measures, he believes, can play a pivotal role in decreasing the number of strokes—a leading cause of death and disability in the valley.

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In response to this growing public health crisis, Dr. Nisar emphasized the urgent need for policy initiatives aimed at reducing air pollution. Such measures, he believes, can play a pivotal role in decreasing the number of strokes—a leading cause of death and disability in the valley.

Asif Iqbal

Asif Iqbal is a seasoned news writer with a passion for delivering the latest updates to the public. Currently serving as the senior writer at VoM News, a prominent news outlet known for its comprehensive coverage of diverse topics, Asif has established himself as a reliable source of information. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, he consistently provides readers with well-crafted articles that cover a wide range of news categories. His dedication to journalistic integrity and his commitment to staying ahead of the news curve make him an invaluable asset to Vom News, ensuring that readers are always well-informed on the issues that matter most. You can find his work and stay updated on current events by visiting vomnews.in.