Medical experts have highlighted three key physical warning signs that may indicate an increased risk of stroke, a serious and potentially life-threatening medical condition commonly known as paralysis in many regions.
Health specialists explain that a stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted. There are two main types: ischemic stroke, which is caused by a blockage in blood supply, and hemorrhagic stroke, which happens when a blood vessel in the brain bursts and leads to internal bleeding. In both cases, brain cells are deprived of oxygen and can suffer permanent damage without immediate treatment.
Doctors warn that delayed medical response can significantly increase the risk of death or long-term disability, making early detection of warning signs extremely important.
A recent study conducted by researchers at Zhejiang University School of Medicine has identified three physical indicators associated with a higher likelihood of stroke: reduced muscle mass, weak hand grip strength, and slower walking speed.
The research, published in a leading medical journal of the American Heart Association, analysed health data from more than 480,000 adults who were part of a large-scale UK-based health study. All participants had no prior history of stroke at the beginning of the research.
Findings showed that individuals with lower muscle strength had a 30% higher risk of experiencing a stroke. Weak grip strength was linked to a 7% increase in risk, while slower walking speed was associated with a significantly higher risk of up to 64% compared to individuals who walked at a faster pace.
Researchers noted that declining physical performance may reflect underlying health issues such as inflammation, poor metabolic health and reduced overall fitness, all of which are known risk factors for cardiovascular and brain-related diseases.
One of the lead researchers, Dr Lu-sha Tong from Zhejiang University School of Medicine, observed that walking speed appeared to be a particularly strong indicator of overall health and future stroke risk.
Medical experts emphasise that regular physical activity, maintaining muscle strength and monitoring basic physical performance can play an important role in reducing stroke risk, especially among older adults.
Previous studies have also linked weak grip strength with higher risks of heart disease and stroke, suggesting that simple physical tests could help identify at-risk individuals at an early stage.