Stroke continues to be seen as a sudden and unpredictable crisis that affects only older adults. A Hyderabad-based neurologist is urging the public to reconsider this perception by spotlighting overlooked lifestyle triggers quietly raising stroke risk in younger populations.
Apollo Hospitals neurologist Dr. Sudhir Kumar recently shared a detailed advisory on X (formerly Twitter), listing ten lesser known factors that can contribute to a potentially life altering stroke. His post reiterates that prevention is not only about managing blood pressure or sugar but also about prioritising sleep, mental health, and inflammation control.
Modern lifestyle is shifting stroke risk to younger adults
Dr. Kumar has earlier warned that stroke is increasingly striking individuals in their 30s and 40s, a trend linked to rising lifestyle-related illnesses. According to the neurologist, up to 80 to 90 percent of strokes are preventable if risk factors are identified early and corrected through basic but consistent lifestyle changes. His reminders were reported by Gulf News and health media.
The 10 hidden stroke drivers you probably overlooked
In the recent post, Dr. Kumar explained how these everyday habits or conditions can damage blood vessels and disrupt normal blood flow:
• Sleep apnea: Night-time oxygen drops strain the cardiovascular system
• Vitamin B12 deficiency / high homocysteine: Increases clot formation
• Chronic inflammatory disorders: Such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus
• Air pollution exposure: Raises blood pressure and clotting tendencies
• Unmanaged stress and depression: Push inflammatory markers and cortisol higher
• Oral contraceptives: Especially risky for smokers or those with migraine aura
• Obesity and metabolic syndrome: Impair healthy vascular function
• Sleep deprivation: Less than 6 hours regularly raises stroke risk
• Certain genetic conditions: Including CADASIL and sickle cell trait
• Gum disease: Chronic oral infection causes harmful inflammation throughout the body
His key message stresses that stroke prevention requires holistic care of the body.
Awareness and timing remain the real game changers
Referencing his earlier public guidance, Dr. Kumar encouraged everyone to remember the FAST test:
Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time for emergency help.
Even temporary symptoms could signal a Transient Ischemic Attack and warrant urgent medical attention.
Medical experts advise against self-medicating with aspirin during suspected stroke events because it could worsen brain bleeding in hemorrhagic cases.
“Sleep, stress, inflammation, and balance matter”
Dr. Kumar’s latest thread concludes with a simple takeaway: everyday habits, including quality sleep and stress management, impact long-term neurological health more than many people realize.
Dr. Kumar has over 26 years of experience in neurology at Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills. Trained at Christian Medical College, Vellore, he specializes in stroke care, epilepsy, dementia, and neuro critical care.
Apollo Hospitals neurologist Dr. Sudhir Kumar recently shared a detailed advisory on X (formerly Twitter), listing ten lesser known factors that can contribute to a potentially life altering stroke. His post reiterates that prevention is not only about managing blood pressure or sugar but also about prioritising sleep, mental health, and inflammation control.
Modern lifestyle is shifting stroke risk to younger adults
Dr. Kumar has earlier warned that stroke is increasingly striking individuals in their 30s and 40s, a trend linked to rising lifestyle-related illnesses. According to the neurologist, up to 80 to 90 percent of strokes are preventable if risk factors are identified early and corrected through basic but consistent lifestyle changes. His reminders were reported by Gulf News and health media.
The 10 hidden stroke drivers you probably overlooked
In the recent post, Dr. Kumar explained how these everyday habits or conditions can damage blood vessels and disrupt normal blood flow:
• Sleep apnea: Night-time oxygen drops strain the cardiovascular system
• Vitamin B12 deficiency / high homocysteine: Increases clot formation
• Chronic inflammatory disorders: Such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus
• Air pollution exposure: Raises blood pressure and clotting tendencies
• Unmanaged stress and depression: Push inflammatory markers and cortisol higher
• Oral contraceptives: Especially risky for smokers or those with migraine aura
• Obesity and metabolic syndrome: Impair healthy vascular function
• Sleep deprivation: Less than 6 hours regularly raises stroke risk
• Certain genetic conditions: Including CADASIL and sickle cell trait
• Gum disease: Chronic oral infection causes harmful inflammation throughout the body
His key message stresses that stroke prevention requires holistic care of the body.
10 Lesser-Known Stroke Risk Factors
— Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (@hyderabaddoctor) October 29, 2025
1. Sleep Apnea
Repeated night-time oxygen drops strain the heart and blood vessels.
2. High Homocysteine / Low Vitamin B12
Damages blood vessel walls and promotes clot formation.
3. Chronic Inflammation
Conditions like rheumatoid…
Awareness and timing remain the real game changers
Referencing his earlier public guidance, Dr. Kumar encouraged everyone to remember the FAST test:
Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time for emergency help.
Even temporary symptoms could signal a Transient Ischemic Attack and warrant urgent medical attention.
Medical experts advise against self-medicating with aspirin during suspected stroke events because it could worsen brain bleeding in hemorrhagic cases.
“Sleep, stress, inflammation, and balance matter”
Dr. Kumar’s latest thread concludes with a simple takeaway: everyday habits, including quality sleep and stress management, impact long-term neurological health more than many people realize.
Dr. Kumar has over 26 years of experience in neurology at Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills. Trained at Christian Medical College, Vellore, he specializes in stroke care, epilepsy, dementia, and neuro critical care.
You may also like
Mobile verification platform to boost telcos revenues
US set to withdraw troops along NATO's eastern border
Antiques Roadshow guests speechless as 'incredible' legacy items fetch huge valuation
Beyond Assembly: India's telecom manufacturing bets on design, AI
Tennis: Sinner begins bid to retake World No. 1 with victory in Paris
