Stroke burden and risk factors in developing countries with special reference to India.

Stroke is a major disabling health problem in developing countries like India. Stroke burden in India has been rising in the last few decades, in contrast to developed countries where it has plateaued or decreased. The average annual incidence rate of stroke in India currently is 145 per 100,000 population, which is higher than the western nations. Rapid socio-economic changes have led to changes in people's lifestyle, work related stress, altered food habits and the risk of developing hypertension, diabetes and hyperlipidaemia. This coupled with increased lifespan has resulted in increase in the incidence of stroke. Indians may also be genetically prone for stroke due to high prevalence of metabolic syndrome. In India 10% to 15% of strokes occur in people aged below 40 years. Up to 80% of strokes in India are ischaemic in nature, among which intracranial atherosclerosis is the most common mechanism. It is of utmost importance to create awareness among public about risk factors of stroke and their prevention in order to reduce the associated mortality and morbidity.