The recently released global statistics regarding ischemic stroke are frightening. According to the report, in the year 1990, when the average death toll was 20 lakhs worldwide, it increased to more than 3 million (30 lakhs) in the year 2019. Not only this, experts have expressed concern that by 2030 it is expected to increase to 50 lakhs. Experts from Tongji University in Shanghai, China, said, "The rising global death rate of ischemic stroke and the possibility of a further increase in it is a matter of concern, but we should make prevention efforts."

Ischemic stroke is caused by a blockage of blood flow to the brain and is the most common type of stroke. Researchers said all people should be aware of this and keep taking preventive measures. The way people's lifestyle is getting worse, this deadly problem is seen increasing year by year.

Stroke risk factors
In this research published in the journal Neurology, the scientists reported that several lifestyle factors such as smoking and a diet high in sodium, as well as high blood pressure and increased body mass index, are among the main risk factors. If we pay serious attention to all these and fix only the lifestyle, then the risk of stroke can be reduced.

What the study says
For the study, the researchers analyzed the Global Health Data Exchange from 1990-2019. As the world population grew, the global number of deaths from ischemic stroke increased from 2.04 million in 1990 to 3.29 million in 2019. However, the rate of stroke has come down from 66 strokes per one lakh people in 1990 to 44 in 2019.

Lead researcher Lije Xiong says, "This reduction in stroke rates means that the increase in the number of strokes worldwide is mainly due to the increase in population and aging. People's lifestyle has also been seen to deteriorate significantly over time.".

These are the seven risk factors
Researchers found that smoking, high sodium in the diet, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, kidney problems, increased sugar level, and high BMI are seven risk factors that increase the risk of stroke. Based on the analysis of the database, the researchers said that between 2020-2030, the number of deaths from stroke could increase even more if we all did not control these risk factors.

Increase the amount of fiber in the diet
At the same time, in another study, a team of scientists said that increasing the amount of fiber in the diet can also reduce the risk of stroke. By including 7 grams of fiber in the diet, you can reduce the risk of stroke by 7%. You should consume about 25 grams of fiber a day. It has been found to reduce the risk factors of stroke.

(PC: Freepik)