Snoring May Indicate Hidden Stroke Risk, Caution Yatharth Hospital Experts on World Stroke Day

New Delhi: On the eve of World Stroke Day, doctors from Yatharth Hospital, Model Town have issued a crucial health warning snoring, often dismissed as harmless, could be an early sign of a potentially life-threatening stroke.

According to Dr Rajat Chopra, Senior Consultant and Head, Department of Neurology, snoring can be a symptom of sleep apnea, a condition where breathing repeatedly stops during sleep. “Sleep apnea increases the risk of stroke by two to four times, yet many people mistake it for normal snoring,” Dr Chopra cautioned at a press conference organized to raise awareness about stroke prevention.

Joined by Dr Sunil Kumar, Director and Head, Department of Neurosurgery, and Mr Sunel Satya Kapur, COO, Dr Chopra revealed that India records 1.75 to 1.85 million new stroke cases every year, with one person dying of stroke every four minutes.

He further highlighted a disturbing trend the growing incidence of strokes among younger adults aged 15 to 49 years. “Between 1990 and 2021, the number of stroke cases rose from 90 to 145 per 100,000 people.

Many of these are linked to underlying sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and stress,” he added. The hospital currently treats 50-55 stroke-related patients each month, with increasing cases among young adults and women.

Dr Chopra also noted that women face a 25.1% lifetime risk of stroke, often due to hormonal changes, pregnancy-related issues, migraines, and contraceptive use. “Symptoms such as fatigue, depression, or headaches should not be ignored,” he advised.

Dr Sunil Kumar urged the public to remember the F.A.S.T. method  Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to act fast emphasizing that treatment within 4.5 hours of symptom onset can save lives.

The doctors concluded by stressing lifestyle changes for prevention: maintaining blood pressure, avoiding smoking and alcohol, exercising regularly, managing stress, and ensuring proper sleep. “Snoring isn’t just noise it’s your body’s alarm. Recognize it early to prevent stroke,” Dr Chopra warned.