The most important modifiable risk factor for stroke in the Indian population is:
- A Diabetes mellitus
- B Hypertension ✓
- C Dyslipidaemia
- D Tobacco use
Correct answer: B. Hypertension
Explanation
Hypertension is consistently identified as the single most important and prevalent modifiable risk factor for stroke globally and in India, contributing to approximately 70% of stroke attributable risk. It causes both ischaemic stroke (via atherosclerosis) and haemorrhagic stroke (via arterial wall damage). Diabetes, dyslipidaemia, and tobacco are all significant risk factors but of lesser attributable risk than hypertension. INTERSTROKE study confirmed hypertension as the dominant risk factor.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.