Low Temperatures, Rising Pollution Behind 40% Spike in Brain Strokes in Delhi-NCR: Doctors

In addition to dense fog conditions, the Indian Meteorological Department on Wednesday predicted the minimum temperatures in the range of 7°C to 10°C over most parts of plains of Northwest India. Further, the Central Pollution Control Board reported 'very poor' air quality in the national capital, with the overall AQI standing at 381 on Wednesday.

"We are seeing around 40% rise in brain stroke currently as in today's date. We are admitting almost double the number of strokes, as we were doing in October or September. This is a clear-cut impact of cold weather combined with pollution," Dr Praveen Gupta, Principal Director of Department of Neurology at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, told IANS.

He explained that pollution leads to an increase in particulate matter which leads to increased generation of oxidative reactive species. This further leads to pro-inflammatory cytokines which leads to inflammation in the body and increased endothelial dysfunction. Increased endothelial dysfunction with inflammation combined with vasoconstriction and greater aggregability with raised blood pressure leads to a significant increase in brain strokes, the doctor said.

"Cold weather combined with air pollution is like double edged sword that can do more damage then expected. We are seeing 20% increase in number of stroke cases in our ICU's," added Prof Vinay Goyal, Chairman Neurology, Medanta, Gurugram. "This requires need of control of modifiable risk factors like hypertension, diabetes, stop smoking along with do everything to reduce pollution. Stay away from polluted environment."

"Stroke risk is more during winters because blood pressure fluctuates and patients who do not control hypertension during this time their stroke chances increases and when combined with high pollution the risk multiplies," he added.

The doctors also recommended using air purifiers indoors, wearing face mask when going out in polluted areas, especially during walks early in the morning.

"Avoid eating lot of nuts during winters as it can increase blood cholestrol, don't stop physical activities and prefer doing during afternoon when weather is warm and follow up with doctor is necessary if someone has cardiac or BP issue," Dr Singh said.

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The above article has been published from a wire agency with minimal modifications to the headline and text.