On World Stroke Day 2025, Fortis neurologist warns of common causes of stroke: Stress, smoking and lack of sleep

It isn't often that we realise how silently some of the to the highest degree mutual habits move our wellness in the long-term. Until, of trend, something as serious as a stroke or heart disease stikes us with surprise. On World Stroke Day 2025, a neurologist from Fortis Hospital explains that strokes may result from long-term lifestyle choices and habits that increase the risk without immediate signs. Knowing these causes can help prevent strokes and save lives.

Chronic stress, physical inactivity, and smoking increase the risk of strokes, along with other hidden factors that could be affecting us daily.

Many people lead sedentary lives. Jobs often involve long hours on computers, and activities like online shopping and streaming make it easy to spend too much time on screens. "This lack of exercise can lead to serious health problems, such as obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure," Dr Vinit Banga, Neurologist, Fortis Hospital, Faridabad, tells Health Shots. These issues are known risk factors for both types of strokes: ischemic and hemorrhagic.

Regular exercise helps protect against health risks. Fortis neurologists note that simple activities such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming can improve heart health. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. "Look for ways to add movement to your daily routine", suggests the doctor. Even small changes, like taking the stairs instead of the elevator, can make a big difference. Creating a habit of being active not only helps prevent strokes but also leads to a healthier, more active lifestyle.

Imagine a situation where work, family, and social commitments pull you in different directions. This ongoing stress not only harms your mental health but also affects your physical health. "When you’re stressed, your body releases hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. If these hormones stay high for a long time, they can increase your blood pressure and heart rate," explains the neurologist. This constant pressure on your heart and blood vessels can lead to damage over time, making it easier for blood vessels to narrow or clot, which could result in a stroke.

Chronic stress can lead to serious health issues. Many people cope with stress by overeating, binge drinking, or smoking. These habits increase the risk of strokes by raising blood pressure and blood sugar levels. There are effective ways to handle stress. Techniques like mindfulness, regular exercise, and strong social connections can help reduce its adverse effects on health. Proactively managing stress can improve your long-term vascular health.

Smoking is one of the leading causes of stroke that we can prevent. The harmful chemicals in tobacco smoke, like nicotine and carbon monoxide, harm blood vessels. "This damage accelerates a condition called atherosclerosis, in which fatty deposits build up in arteries", says the Fortis doctor. As a result, blood flow gets blocked, increasing the risk of stroke.

The neurologist explains that "nicotine tightens blood vessels and increases heart rate, putting extra strain on the heart. Even breathing in secondhand smoke can harm non-smokers' health. It's important to quit smoking as soon as possible; the body starts to heal quickly. Within weeks, blood flow can improve, blood pressure can return to normal, and after a few years of not smoking, a former smoker's risk of stroke can be similar to that of a non-smoker."

While we have discussed the main lifestyle factors that increase the risk of stroke, three lesser-known causes might be silently affecting your health.

When discussing stroke risk factors, it is important to consider practical ways to reduce them. Here are some effective strategies to address the main risk factors linked to strokes:

(Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.)

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