Introduction – World Stroke Day is observed on October 29 every year that concentrates to spread awareness of stroke symptoms with a campaign. The main purpose of this day is to highlight about the signs of stroke. As per World Health Organization, it is the second leading cause of death all around the world. If a supply of blood is interrupted or reduced then a stroke occurs that prevents brain tissue to get nutrients and oxygen.  

History – World Stroke Day was introduced in the year 2004 at the World Stroke Congress in Vancouver, Canada. A working group was formed was under the direction of Dr. Vladimir Hachinski that was incorporated into a World Stroke Proclamation in October 2006. At the same time, World Stroke Organization, and the International Stroke Society merged to form the World Stroke Organization that took over the management of World Stroke Day.

Significance – As per the World Stroke Organization, a stroke is a non-communicable condition in which the supply of blood to the brain is interrupted that resulting in oxygen starvation or brain damage. A stroke occurs is due to a clot in an artery supplying blood to the brain and that condition is called as ischemia. The possibility of a stroke enhances significantly by age and analysis that every four adults above the age of 25 may suffer from at least one stroke in their lifetime.

Covid-19 also increases the risk of stroke in a person thus you should concentrate on your health by enhancing health system efficiency. Stroke is also caused by high blood pressure, uncontrolled diabetes, and sudden reduction in blood pressure.  Several risk factors that increase the risk of stroke are given below –

• High cholesterol level
• Obesity
• High blood pressure
• Age
• Family history
• Smoking
• Take a large amount of alcohol
• Insomnia

Thus, to lower the risk of stroke you should maintain blood pressure, cholesterol levels and avoid smoking.  You should also avoid taking a large amount of alcohol to reduce the chances of stroke.