New Delhi, October 28, 2025: Snoring during sleep can be more dangerous than most people realize — it could be an early warning sign of a life-threatening condition. According to doctors, sleep apnea (a condition in which breathing repeatedly stops during sleep) can increase the risk of stroke by two to four times. Unfortunately, many individuals mistake it for normal snoring and ignore it.

This warning comes from Dr. Rajat Chopra, Senior Consultant and Head, Department of Neurology, Yatharth Hospital, Model Town, who addressed a press conference ahead of World Stroke Day (October 29) to raise awareness about the growing number of stroke cases and their hidden causes. Dr. Sunil Kumar Baranwal, Director & HOD Neurosurgery, and Mr. Sunel Satya Kapur, COO, Yatharth Hospital, Model Town, were also present at the conference.

Dr. Chopra said, “Snoring during sleep should not be taken lightly. Sleep apnea, in particular, is a major risk factor and can raise the chances of stroke up to fourfold. Around 50–60% of stroke patients are found to have sleep apnea. Every year, India reports nearly 1.75 to 1.85 million new stroke cases, and one person dies from a stroke every four minutes.”

He further noted that stroke is no longer a disease limited to older adults. “The number of stroke cases among young people is increasing rapidly,” he said. “Between 1990 and 2021, the incidence of stroke rose from 90 to 145 cases per 100,000 population, while the number of people living with stroke-related disabilities increased from 4.4 million in 1990 to 9.4 million in 2021.”

Dr. Chopra explained that sleep apnea causes high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and inflammation — all of which put pressure on the brain’s blood vessels, dramatically increasing the risk of stroke. “Early diagnosis and timely treatment can prevent severe consequences and even save lives,” he added.

Yatharth Hospital has treated several patients where sleep apnea was identified as the leading cause of stroke. Dr. Chopra emphasized, “Snoring is not just a sound — it’s your body’s alarm signal.” The hospital now treats 50 to 55 stroke-related patients every month, with an increasing number of cases reported among young adults aged 15–49 years.

He also highlighted a rare case of a five-year-old child treated for acute stroke due to elevated homocysteine levels. The child recovered after a few weeks. Stroke rates among children (0–18 years) are around 11–12 per 100,000 population, and approximately 1 in every 7 strokes occurs between ages 15 and 49. Nearly 10–15% of strokes occur among those aged 18 to 50.

Rising Stroke Cases Among Women

Recent years have also witnessed a sharp rise in stroke cases among women. According to Dr. Chopra, data shows that in 2019, women accounted for around 56% of total stroke cases. About one in every five women suffers a stroke in her lifetime, and the lifetime stroke risk among women aged 25 years and above is 25.1%.

“Women aged 25–44 years face a higher risk of stroke compared to men of the same age group,” Dr. Chopra explained. “Between ages 45–64, one in five women is at risk, and the risk further increases after 64 years, partly because women tend to live longer than men.”

He added that in women, stroke risk often arises from hidden causes, such as hormonal changes after menopause, pregnancy-related complications, use of oral contraceptive pills, migraines with aura, and autoimmune disorders. Symptoms like migraine, depression, or anxiety are often overlooked as normal, but they can be early warning signs of stroke. “It is crucial for women to pay attention to these changes and seek medical advice regularly to manage risks on time,” he said.

Recognizing the Signs of Stroke

Dr. Sunil Kumar Baranwal, Director & HOD Neurosurgery urged people to remember the FAST signs of stroke:

F – Facial drooping

A – Arm weakness

S – Speech difficulty

T – Time to act fast

“If any of these symptoms appear, the person should be rushed to a hospital immediately,” he said. “Treatment within the first 4.5 hours of stroke onset can save lives and prevent permanent disability.”

Prevention Through Awareness and Lifestyle Changes

Awareness remains the most effective tool in preventing stroke. Dr. Chopra advised adopting a healthy lifestyle — including a balanced diet, regular exercise, avoiding smoking and alcohol, and undergoing regular health check-ups.

“Controlling high blood pressure and cholesterol is key to reducing stroke risk,” he said. “Eat a diet low in salt and saturated fats, include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise like brisk walking or swimming every week.”

He also emphasized the importance of adequate sleep and stress management: “Adults should get 7–9 hours of sleep each night. Practices such as yoga and meditation can help reduce stress levels. Regularly monitor your blood pressure and blood sugar, and take prescribed medications on time. By staying vigilant and proactive, people can protect themselves from stroke and lead a healthy life.”