KKN Gurugram Desk | As temperatures have soared this season, Mayaganj Hospital in Bhagalpur is witnessing a worrying rise in brain stroke cases—a condition typically seen in winter months. Doctors pin the surge on uncontrolled high blood pressure, with around 14–15 patients daily arriving at the emergency department after self-adjusting or stopping their medication due to the heat.

Why Heat Crashes Mask High Blood Pressure Risk

With summer’s sweltering heat, many patients assume their blood pressure drops naturally through excessive sweating. As a result, they reduce or stop antihypertensive medications—often without consulting a physician—which leaves them vulnerable to serious outcomes like brain infarction, hemorrhagic stroke, and nerve impairment due to unchecked BP swings.

This assumption has proven costly: Physicians at Mayaganj Hospital report a clear pattern—unauthorized dose reduction triggers loss of BP control, leading to neurological symptoms and sudden deterioration.

Alarming Increase in Stroke Admissions

According to Dr. Rajkamal Chaudhary, Head of Medicine, the hospital is currently diagnosing 14–15 high-BP patients each day in the OPD who are experiencing dizziness, blurred vision, extreme fatigue, and other acute symptoms after self-adjusting meds. He warns:

“Reducing or stopping antihypertensive drugs without medical advice is extremely dangerous. Blood pressure, if ignored, acts like a silent assassin and weakens the brain’s protective mechanisms.”

Dr. Obaid Ali, Senior Physician, adds:

“Summer heat, combined with medication lapses, is now causing stroke cases typically associated with cold weather.”
“In just 10 days, we admitted 13 stroke patients—this number has shot up considerably compared to past years.”

 Summer Stroke: Breaking Seasonal Myths

Studies show temperature extremes—both hot & cold—raise stroke risk. A study from Ranchi’s RIMS hospital reported a 20% increase in brain hemorrhages during heat spikes . Harvard research also found that hospitalizations for ischemic stroke doubled when the heat hit 92°F (~33°C) .

Mechanisms behind heat-triggered strokes include:

1. Dehydration thickens blood, increasing risk of clots

2. Heat stress raises nighttime BP—even when daytime readings seem low 

3. Medication gaps leave patients uncontrolled during critical periods

 Risk to Younger Adults: Stroke at 40–50

Dr. Obaid Ali noted that most stroke patients are now in their 40s and 50s, contradicting the myth that young people are immune. Early-onset hypertension and lifestyle factors like stress and sedentary habits have elevated this risk .

 From High BP to Brain Injury: The Medical Fallout

According to WHO, uncontrolled hypertension accounts for nearly 50% of global stroke deaths and contributes to cognitive decline and dementia . Without treatment, high BP damages small cerebral vessels, leading to both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, even in younger cohorts.

 Steps to Prevent Summer Stroke & Heat-Related BP Risks

Experts recommend:

• Continue meds during summer, never stop without consulting

• Stay hydrated with oral rehydration or electrolyte drinks 

• Avoid peak sun hours and wear light, breathable clothing

• Monitor BP regularly, including at night during hot weather

For high BP patients, ignoring a low reading and self-adjusting meds destabilizes blood pressure rhythms, increasing stroke risk .

Dr. Chaudhary reiterates:

“Do not alter or stop blood pressure medication on your own. Always seek medical guidance—BP neglect leads directly to stroke.”

 At-Risk Profile: Who’s Most Vulnerable?

• Hypertensive people over 40

• Patients skipping meds or altering doses

• Diabetics or heart patients

• Outdoor workers or those exposed to high heat

• Those with histories of transient neurologic attacks

Doctors urge these groups to be extra cautions during summer peaks.

 Hospitals Struggle with Summer Surge

A senior doctor at Mayaganj OPD states:

• Medicine, neurology, and cardiology wards are seeing a 35–40% rise in cases 

• The hospital treats 13–15 hyperthermia-related cases daily, including strokes and dizziness 

This overload underscores the urgent need for public awareness and proactive medical vigilance.

 How Patients Can Stay Safe

1. Never adjust dose without medical advice

2. Use martial BP monitors for early readings

3. Rehydrate hourly, especially when outdoors

4. Check nightly BP during summer heat

5. Know stroke signs: slurred speech, drooping face, one-side weakness; call emergency immediately

The hot summer months have brought an unusual spike in brain stroke cases at Mayaganj Hospital. Over 40–50+ stroke patients have been admitted across hospitals with symptoms triggered by fever, dehydration, and hypertension – worsened by self-adjustments to BP medication.

Doctors caution: summer is no vacation for hypertensive patients. Regular medicine adherence and lifestyle vigilance are essential to prevent this emerging health crisis. Those in their 40s and 50s, especially, should act now to avoid long-term harm.

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