Health · Fitness & Nutrition · 3 hrs ago
Neurologist identifies six habits linked to higher stroke risk
A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is cut off, often because a blood vessel is blocked or bursts.
Neurologist Dr Ritu Jha says six everyday habits can raise stroke risk, alongside factors such as age and conditions including high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol.
Inactivity, smoking and an unhealthy diet can affect weight, blood pressure, blood vessels and cholesterol.
Excessive drinking, chronic stress and poor sleep can also affect blood pressure and heart health.
Ignoring warning signs or delaying care for conditions such as high blood pressure or atrial fibrillation can be dangerous.
Jha recommends regular activity, healthier food, limiting alcohol, addressing sleep problems and regular health checks to help prevent strokes.
Neurologist Dr Ritu Jha identified six everyday habits that can increase stroke risk.
The habits are physical inactivity, smoking, an unhealthy diet, excessive alcohol consumption, chronic stress and sleep loss, and ignoring warning signs.
Jha said these habits can affect blood pressure, metabolism, blood vessels and cardiovascular health.
She advised regular exercise, a healthier diet, limiting alcohol, addressing sleep problems and seeking care for health conditions.
- Who
- Dr Ritu Jha, a neurologist.
- What
- She listed six everyday habits linked to increased stroke risk.
- When
- The article was published on October 14, 2026.
- Where
- Not stated.
- Why
- The habits can affect factors such as blood pressure, blood vessels and cardiovascular health, increasing stroke risk.
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- Habits identified
- Six
- Neurologist
- Dr Ritu Jha
- Article outlet
- Hindustan Times
- Publication date
- October 14, 2026
1 source
What people are saying
Stroke prevention is not about one single habit; it requires consistent attention to exercise, diet, smoking, alcohol, sleep, stress and regular health checks.
Spending long hours sitting and not getting enough regular exercise can contribute to obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes and abnormal cholesterol levels, all of which can increase the likelihood of stroke.
Excessive alcohol consumption may raise blood pressure and, in some people, increase the risk of irregular heart rhythms such as atrial fibrillation, which can contribute to clot formation and an ischaemic stroke.