However, the study assumes significance because of its findings pointing at air pollution as a leading indicator for stroke.In India, more than 1.2 million people were estimated to suffer strokes every year, making it the leading cause of death and disability. "It is a landmark study pointing at pollution as an indicator for stroke for the first time. The analysis was conducted by a team of international researchers. Air pollution has been identified for the first time as a major contributor for stroke leading to death and disability, mainly in developing and middle-income countries like India.A new study, published in Lancet Neurology, shows air pollution is the third largest cause for stroke accounting for almost 30% of the global stroke burden.Behavioral factors, such as smoking, poor diet and lack of physical activity, are the leading cause contributing to 74.2% of stroke, followed by metabolic disorders like cholesterol, high blood pressure and obesity.Experts say behavioral factors and metabolic disorders have been linked in the past as well. Globally, about 15 million people suffer strokes every year, of which nearly 6 million die and 5 million are left disabled including loss of vision or speech, paralysis and confusion.The Lancet study is based on analysis of data from a swathe of other studies, reports and official statistics to create a mathematical model estimating stroke risk for 188 countries from 1990 to 2013.

Source: Times of India June 11, 2016 04:18 UTC