Today is World Stroke day. The idea behind observing this day is to spread more awareness among people about the leading cause of death and disability, that is a heart stroke. Zerodha cofounder and CEO Nithi Kamath shared an important message on his social media handle, recounting a health lesson when he had suffered a stroke last January.
He wrote, "If there’s one thing I wish I had done differently, it would be to go to the hospital immediately, within the Golden Hour (<4.5 hours), instead of thinking I could just sleep it off."
He also went on to add that this "nothing will happen to me" attitude is common, especially among those under 50. "But the truth is, strokes are rising sharply, up to nearly 30% of all strokes in the last few years, among 30 to 50-year-olds. When it comes to strokes, time is brain; every minute counts," he highlighted.
Take a look at Nithin's post:
Dr P Vijaya, Senior Neurologist and President of the Indian Stroke Association (ISA), had told Moneycontrol that the golden window for treating a stroke is just 4.5 hours. "If treatment is delayed, irreversible brain damage begins almost immediately. Around 20 lakh neurons die every minute after a stroke starts,” Dr Vijaya had warned.
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It is important to be armed with basic knowledge with respect to what one must do after one gets a stroke to save the life in a timely manner.
Listed below are some facts, mentioned by Dr Vijaya, that will definitely come in handy to act promptly in situations when someone is suffering from a stroke.
Know the acronym, BEFAST: Balance issues, Eye vision loss, Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to act, these are the six signs everyone should know and never ignore.
Don’t wait for symptoms to go away: If someone shows any stroke symptoms, never “wait and watch.” The sooner they reach a stroke-ready hospital, the better the chances of full recovery.
Get to a stroke centre, not just any hospital: Advanced treatments like IV thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy can only be done at equipped stroke centres, make sure the hospital is prepared for stroke care.
Most strokes are caused by clots, not bleeds: 85 percent of strokes are ischemic (caused by a clot) and treatable with clot-busting drugs, if given within the golden window.
Stroke can strike even healthy young people: Even without classic risk factors, younger people and children can have strokes due to infections, heart rhythm issues, or genetic conditions.
Lifestyle choices still matter: Managing blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, and avoiding smoking can significantly lower stroke risk at any age.
Every minute saved saves brain cells: Quick action can mean the difference between walking out of the hospital or living with lifelong disability, time truly is brain.
FAQs on golden hour of treating a stroke:
1. What is the golden hour in stroke treatment?
It’s the first 4.5 hours after a stroke — a critical window when quick treatment can save brain cells and improve recovery.
2. Why is the golden hour so important?
Every minute after a stroke, millions of brain cells die. Prompt treatment during the golden hour can prevent permanent brain damage.
3. What should you do if someone shows stroke symptoms?
Call emergency services immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to go away on their own.
4. What treatments are given during the golden hour?
Doctors may give a clot-busting drug (tPA) or perform other emergency procedures to restore blood flow to the brain.
5. How can you recognize a stroke quickly?
Use the FAST test — Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call for help.
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.
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