Why Younger People Are Getting Strokes

A stroke occurs when blood supply to a part of the brain is severely restricted or lost, leading to death of the brain cells. Also called cerebrovascular accident or CVA, a stroke is a medical emergency because it can lead to death or permanent disability.

Strokes usually affect elderly individuals, and the risk increases as one gets older. Studies show, however, that in recent decades, the number of elderly individuals who develop stroke is decreasing. Nevertheless, stroke is still a leading cause of deathin the US and in the world.

About two-thirds of these people have strokes for the first time in their lives, while the rest have had a previous stroke. People who survive may suffer from permanent disability.

What is more alarming, however, is that recent studies also show that the number of younger adults who are developing strokes is increasing. In 2009, it was found that one-third of people who were hospitalized for stroke were younger than 65 years old. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has also reported that stroke rates are on the rise among teenagers and young adults (15 to 44 years old). Previous studies showed that stroke in this age population accounted for five to ten percent of all strokes, and was considered as one of the top ten causes of childhood death. Recent studies, however, reveal that as much as 10% to 15% of all strokes occur in the young. One of the challenges in preventing and managing stroke in the young is that it is not recognized or diagnosed early because the disease is often associated only with the elderly.

Why Do Young People Have Strokes?

Stroke occurs when blood supply to the brain is interrupted, either due to a blockage in an artery (called ischemic stroke) or a leak or bursting of an artery supplying the brain (called hemorrhagic stroke). Most strokes (85%) are caused by narrowing of the blood vessels feeding the brain due to atherosclerosis and acute blockage due to blood clot formation. These occur because of high blood cholesterol level, which causes accumulation of fat and formation of hard deposits (plaque) in the inner walls of the arteries. These progressive changes are usually associated with aging, because of the chronic nature of the condition.

See Also: Stroke in young people

These include having low levels of good (HDL) cholesterol in the blood, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, lipid disorders, alcohol abuse, and tobacco use. The use of oral contraceptives and human growth hormone has also been linked to strokes in the young. Other studies also show that a tear in the wall of an artery in the neck (arterial dissection) due to whiplash injury or other neck injuries can lead to a stroke. But for some young stroke victims, the cause cannot be determined.

How To Prevent Stroke

Stroke remains to be one of the top causes of deaths and a leading cause of serious long-term disability in the US and in the world. 

Although we cannot control some risk factors, such as aging, family history, race, and genetic predisposition, most of the other factors that are associated with stroke are preventable.

The most common factors that can increase your risk of a stroke include:

• Being overweight/obese
• Sedentary lifestyle or physical inactivity
• Heavy alcohol consumption
• Use of illegal drugs (marijuana, cocaine and methamphetamines)
• Cigarette smoking
• High blood pressure (higher than 120/80 mm Hg
• High cholesterol (above 200 mg/dl)
• Low HDL (good cholesterol) levels
• High blood sugar (type 2 diabetes)
• Other medical conditions such as heart disease and obstructive sleep apnea

Experts recommend the following measures to reduce a young person’s risk of developing stroke:

• Maintain a healthy weight. Overweight and obesity are associated with other stroke risk factors, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Losing as little as ten pounds may help improve cholesterol levels and lower your blood pressure.
• Eat a healthy diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables, nuts, and whole grains.
• Reduce the amount of saturated fat and cholesterol in your diet to avoid fatty deposits (plaques) in your arteries.
• Exercise regularly to maintain a healthy weight, reduce blood pressure, control cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and manage stress. Do cardio-exercises such as walking, swimming, jogging, or bicycling for 30 minutes daily on most days of the week.
• Quit smoking.
• Control blood sugar levels. Manage diabetes with diet, weight control, exercise, and medication.
• Control high blood pressure.
• Drink alcohol moderately or not at all. Studies suggest that drinking moderate amounts of alcohol may help prevent stroke and decrease your blood's tendency to clot.
• Avoiding using illicit drugs, which have been found to be risk factors for stroke.
• Treat sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea, which has been linked to stroke.

See Also: A Guide To Stroke Prevention

Warning Signs of Stroke

Young people do not usually experience strokes, and therefore, signs and symptoms may not be easily recognized. However, experts advise that anyone who is having sudden, unexplained symptoms must seek help immediately, no matter what their age. Remember the acronym FAST:

F - a fallen or droopy face, usually on one side. If asked to smile, a person who is having a stroke cannot raise the corners of their mouth.

A - no ability to raise an arm. If asked to raise both arms, one arm drifts downward.

S – slurring of speech. If asked to repeat a simple phrase, the person exhibits slurring or strange speech.

T – Time is essential. Call 9-1-1 immediately if any of the above symptoms are present.