Srinagar, Oct 29 (KNO): Excessive salt consumption, uncontrolled high blood pressure, obesity, unhealthy dietary habits and physical inactivity are among the major factors increasing the risk of stroke, with seasonal changes and sedentary lifestyles during winter adding to the health concerns in Kashmir, a noted cardiologist said.
In an interview with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Head of the Department of Cardiology at Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar, Dr Khalid Mohiuddin, said many of the risk factors associated with stroke were preventable but required greater public awareness, timely diagnosis and sustained efforts to adopt healthier lifestyles. He said high blood pressure was one of the most important risk factors that needed to be addressed, warning that uncontrolled hypertension could damage blood vessels and increase the likelihood of serious cardiovascular and cerebrovascular complications, including stroke.
According to the cardiologist, almost one in three people in Jammu and Kashmir suffers from high blood pressure, highlighting the scale of the problem and the need for regular monitoring, particularly among people with other risk factors.
High salt consumption a major concern
Dr Mohiuddin said excessive salt consumption was one of the important dietary factors contributing to the rising burden of hypertension and stroke in the region. "Consuming too much salt can increase blood pressure, placing additional strain on the heart and blood vessels. When blood pressure remains elevated over a prolonged period, it can damage the blood vessels supplying vital organs, including the brain," he said.
Uncontrolled hypertension can increase the risk of both ischaemic stroke, which occurs when a blood vessel supplying the brain becomes blocked, and haemorrhagic stroke, which occurs when a blood vessel ruptures and causes bleeding in or around the brain, he added.
Dr Mohiuddin urged people to pay greater attention to their daily salt intake and avoid the habit of adding excessive salt to food. Dietary habits, he stressed, should be improved by reducing salt consumption and making healthier food choices, particularly among people who already have high blood pressure or a family history of cardiovascular disease.
"Excessive consumption of salty foods, including processed and packaged products, can contribute to high sodium intake, and people should pay attention not only to the salt added during cooking but also to the amount present in foods consumed regularly," he said. "Reducing salt intake, however, should go hand in hand with regular blood pressure checks and appropriate medical treatment wherever required."
High blood pressure remains a major stroke risk
The cardiologist said hypertension was a significant public health concern in Jammu and Kashmir, with nearly one-third of the population reportedly affected. He said keeping blood pressure under control was essential to reducing the risk of stroke and other serious complications.
"High blood pressure often develops without obvious symptoms, which means people may continue to live with the condition without knowing that their health is at risk. Over time, uncontrolled hypertension can damage blood vessels and increase the likelihood of heart attacks, kidney disease and strokes. In some cases, the first indication of the problem may be a serious medical emergency," he said.
Dr Mohiuddin said people should not wait for symptoms to appear before checking their blood pressure, and that regular monitoring is particularly important for people who are overweight, physically inactive, have diabetes or have previously been diagnosed with hypertension. He advised people diagnosed with high blood pressure to follow medical advice, take prescribed medicines regularly and avoid discontinuing treatment simply because their readings have improved.
Lifestyle changes, including reducing salt intake, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet, can also help improve blood pressure control, but people who require medication should not rely on lifestyle changes alone or alter their treatment without consulting their doctor, he said.
Why stroke risk may increase during winter
Dr Mohiuddin also highlighted the relationship between cold weather and cardiovascular health, explaining that stroke risk can increase during winter. "Cold temperatures cause blood vessels near the skin to narrow to conserve body heat, which can increase blood pressure and place additional strain on the cardiovascular system, particularly among people who already have hypertension or other underlying conditions," he said.
He also pointed towards changes in daily routines during winter as another factor. "During the colder months, many people in Kashmir tend to remain indoors for extended periods and reduce their physical activity, while also consuming calorie-rich foods. Such changes can contribute to weight gain, worsen blood pressure control and increase the long-term risk of cardiovascular disease," he said.
The cardiologist stressed that people should remain physically active even during winter through indoor exercises, walking in safe conditions and incorporating movement into daily routines. Those with existing heart conditions, he said, should seek medical advice about the intensity of exercise suitable for them.
Sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy food habits
Explaining how inactivity affects health, Dr Mohiuddin said remaining indoors for long periods without adequate physical movement could contribute to obesity and other metabolic problems. He said physical inactivity reduces energy expenditure and, when combined with excessive calorie intake, can lead to weight gain. "Over time, obesity can contribute to high blood pressure, diabetes and abnormalities in cholesterol levels, all of which are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke," he explained.
The cardiologist said that regular physical activity was an important component of stroke prevention and should be maintained throughout the year, and that even simple measures such as regular indoor walking and stretching can help people remain active during the colder months.
On dietary habits, he pointed to the consumption of foods containing excessive oil, frequent intake of meat and fast food, and other calorie-rich choices as factors contributing to weight gain. He advised people to avoid excessive oil consumption, limit fast food and other calorie-dense products, and adopt a balanced dietary pattern that includes vegetables, fruits and other nutritious foods. Portion control is also important, particularly for people whose daily physical activity is limited, and people who are overweight should aim for gradual, sustainable weight management rather than short-term or extreme dietary measures.
Adequate sleep equally important
Highlighting the importance of sleep, Dr Mohiuddin said getting around eight hours of sleep daily was important for maintaining overall health, as poor or insufficient sleep can be associated with adverse metabolic and cardiovascular outcomes, particularly when it becomes a long-term pattern. Sleep problems may also contribute to unhealthy eating habits, reduced physical activity and difficulty managing weight. He advised that people should give sufficient importance to sleep alongside diet, exercise and blood pressure management, and that those experiencing persistent sleep difficulties, loud snoring or excessive daytime sleepiness should seek medical advice.
Early recognition of stroke symptoms can save lives
The cardiologist said stroke prevention also requires public awareness about recognising warning signs and seeking immediate medical attention. A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, and brain cells can begin to suffer damage within minutes, making timely treatment crucial.
Common warning signs include sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg, particularly on one side of the body; sudden difficulty speaking or understanding speech; sudden loss of vision; dizziness or loss of balance; and an abrupt, severe headache. "People should not ignore these symptoms even if they improve after a short period, as a temporary episode of stroke-like symptoms may indicate a transient ischaemic attack, which can be a warning of a future stroke and requires urgent medical assessment," Dr Mohiuddin said. "If someone develops symptoms suggestive of a stroke, family members should seek emergency medical assistance immediately rather than waiting for the symptoms to subside or attempting home remedies."—(KNO)