Understanding Stroke: The Importance of Immediate Medical Attention

On World Stroke Day, Nithin Kamath, CEO of Zerodha, stresses the critical importance of seeking immediate medical help within 4.5 hours of a stroke. He shares his personal experience and highlights the alarming rise of strokes among individuals under 50. With nearly 80% of strokes being preventable through lifestyle changes, understanding the symptoms and acting quickly can save lives. Dr. Deep Das offers a simple way to remember stroke signs with the acronym 'BE FAST'. This article delves into the urgency of stroke response and preventive measures.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 29, 2025, 16:09 IST

The Critical Nature of Stroke Response

New Delhi, Oct 29: Nithin Kamath, the Co-founder and CEO of Zerodha, emphasized the urgency of seeking medical assistance within the crucial 4.5 hours following a stroke. He highlighted that every moment is vital during such an event.

World Stroke Day, celebrated annually on October 29, aims to enhance awareness regarding strokes, which occur when the brain's blood supply is disrupted. The rapid death of brain cells during a stroke underscores the necessity for prompt treatment to improve survival rates.

In a post on social media platform X, Kamath, who experienced a stroke last year, discussed how timely medical intervention can significantly improve outcomes. He noted that failing to act within the 'Golden Hour' can result in irreversible brain damage and long-term disability.

Many individuals often dismiss stroke symptoms, believing that they are immune due to their perceived good health.

Kamath reflected, "If there’s one thing I wish I had done differently when I suffered a stroke last January, it would be to seek hospital care immediately within the Golden Hour, rather than thinking I could simply sleep it off.”

He pointed out that this mindset is prevalent, particularly among those under 50, as the incidence of strokes in this age group is on the rise.

"The reality is that strokes have surged, with nearly 30 percent of all cases occurring in individuals aged 30 to 50 in recent years,” Kamath stated.

“In stroke situations, time equates to brain health; every minute is crucial,” he added.

Approximately 80 percent of strokes can be avoided through straightforward yet consistent lifestyle choices: managing blood pressure and diabetes, refraining from tobacco and alcohol, maintaining a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, and controlling cholesterol levels.

Dr. Deep Das, a neurologist based in Kolkata, mentioned that recognizing stroke symptoms is essential, which can be easily recalled using the acronym 'BE FAST'.

"B signifies Balance, E represents Eye or vision, F stands for Face, where one should observe for facial distortion, A denotes Arm -- checking for weakness or grip loss, S indicates Speech -- looking for slurred or unclear speech, and T stands for Time -- act swiftly and get to a hospital without delay,” Das explained.