For years, high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity have been known as major risk factors for stroke. But doctors and health experts are now also paying attention to another factor that people often overlook — the air they breathe.
Gujarat has recorded a sharp rise in paralysis and stroke-related emergency cases, with the number increasing by 25.50% over the reported period. The data shows that 10,969 cases were recorded in 2026, compared with 8,740 cases in 2025.
The numbers mean that Gujarat is seeing an average of around 45 stroke and paralysis emergencies every day. Ahmedabad alone accounts for around 23% of the reported cases.
Ahmedabad records the highest number of cases
Among the major districts listed in the data, Ahmedabad reported the highest number of cases, with 2,470 cases in 2026 compared with 2,382 in 2025, an increase of 3.69%.
Surat recorded 1,085 cases, up from 940, marking a 15.43% rise. Rajkot saw cases increase from 518 to 631, a rise of 21.81%.
Bhavnagar recorded one of the sharper increases, with cases going up from 481 to 603, or 25.36%. Vadodara reported 593 cases compared with 563 earlier, an increase of 5.33%.
Across Gujarat, the number of reported paralysis and stroke emergency cases rose from 8,740 in 2025 to 10,969 in 2026, representing an overall increase of 25.50%.
Why pollution is also a concern
The rise cannot be linked to a single cause. Apart from health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and obesity, air pollution is also considered an important risk factor.
Fine particulate matter, particularly PM2.5, consists of extremely small particles that can travel deep into the lungs. Exposure to these particles can trigger inflammation and affect blood vessels.
The World Health Organization has linked long-term exposure to particulate matter with a higher risk of cardiovascular problems, including heart attacks and stroke. Studies have also found an association between short-term exposure to higher PM2.5 levels and stroke.
This means the risk may not only be about living in a polluted city for years. Days when pollution levels rise sharply may also matter, particularly for people who already have other risk factors.
High blood pressure remains a major warning sign
While pollution is drawing attention, high blood pressure continues to be one of the major factors behind stroke.
When blood pressure remains uncontrolled for a long time, it can damage blood vessels in the brain and increase the chances of a stroke. Diabetes, obesity and high cholesterol can also affect blood vessels and add to the risk.
Tobacco use is another concern. Smoking and other tobacco products can affect blood vessels and the flow of blood to the heart and brain. With the use of tobacco products such as gutkha remaining a concern, the associated health risks cannot be ignored.
Stroke is not only a disease of old age
A common belief is that paralysis or stroke mainly affects older people. However, the risk can increase at a younger age when conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity are combined with smoking and an inactive lifestyle.
Daily habits can also play a role. Lack of physical activity, excessive salt intake and a diet high in fat can contribute to conditions that increase the risk of stroke.
The growing number of emergency cases in Gujarat therefore points to a wider health concern — one that involves not just treatment after a stroke, but also controlling the factors that can lead to it.
For many people, that means keeping blood pressure and diabetes under control, staying physically active, avoiding tobacco and paying greater attention to the quality of the air they breathe.
Also Read: Can DNA Find Gujarat’s Next Sports Stars? State Launches Genomics Programme
