Young Adults And Strokes: What's The Risk?

While strokes are more common in older adults, they can also affect younger people. According to the American Heart Association, incidents of stroke have increased by 40% among young US adults in recent decades, with approximately 10-15% of strokes occurring in adults aged 18-50. The average age of Americans having a stroke is decreasing, and this is largely due to the same factors that cause heart disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.

Obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes are risk factors

Strokes can happen to anyone, regardless of age. However, the risk of having a stroke increases significantly for people in their 30s if they have high blood pressure or a combination of risk factors. Obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes are significant risk factors for stroke, and their prevalence among young people has contributed to the rising number of strokes in this age group.

Obesity is a major risk factor for stroke, and its prevalence among young adults has been linked to sedentary lifestyles and diets high in processed foods. Obesity increases the risk of high blood pressure, which is the leading cause of stroke. High blood pressure can burst or block arteries supplying blood to the brain, resulting in a stroke. It is important to note that even a small amount of weight loss can significantly reduce the risk of stroke.

Diabetes is another critical risk factor for stroke. It affects the body's ability to process food properly, causing a buildup of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Over time, high glucose levels can damage blood vessels, increasing the chances of a stroke. People with diabetes are about twice as likely to have a stroke as those without the condition. Additionally, many adults with diabetes also have other health issues, such as high blood pressure and excess body weight, that further increase their risk of stroke.

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is the most significant controllable risk factor for stroke. Nearly half of American adults have high blood pressure, and it is a common condition among young adults. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to a hemorrhagic stroke, where a blood vessel in the brain bursts. It can also cause a blockage in the blood vessels supplying blood to the brain, resulting in an ischemic stroke.

It is crucial to address these risk factors as early as possible to reduce the chances of having a stroke. Young adults should be encouraged to adopt healthier lifestyles, including regular exercise, a nutritious diet, and weight management, to lower their risk of stroke.

Stroke types: ischemic and hemorrhagic

While strokes are more common in older adults, they can occur at any age. The average age of Americans having a stroke is decreasing, and the risk factors are similar to those for heart disease.

There are two main types of stroke: ischemic and hemorrhagic. Ischemic strokes are caused by a blocked blood vessel supplying blood to the brain, and they account for 87% of all strokes. Hemorrhagic strokes, on the other hand, are caused by bleeding and make up about 13% of all strokes.

Ischemic strokes can be further categorised into thrombotic and embolic strokes. Thrombotic strokes are caused by a blood clot that develops in the blood vessels inside the brain, while embolic strokes are caused by a blood clot or plaque debris that develops elsewhere in the body and then travels to the brain through the bloodstream. Embolic strokes are often a result of heart disease or heart surgery.

Hemorrhagic strokes are typically caused by uncontrolled high blood pressure, which can lead to a ruptured aneurysm or an arteriovenous malformation (AVM). An aneurysm is a weakened, ballooned area on an artery wall, and an AVM is a congenital disorder characterised by a tangled web of arteries and veins.

Regardless of age, recognising the signs of a stroke is crucial. The acronym BE FAST can help:

• Balance and Eyes: Stroke can impair a person's gait or vision.
• Face: Check for facial drooping.
• Arm: Observe for arm weakness.
• Speech: Stroke can cause slurred speech.
• Time: Act quickly and call for emergency assistance if you notice any of these symptoms.

Warning signs: balance and vision issues

Balance and vision issues can be warning signs of a stroke. While these symptoms are less common than the stereotypical stroke symptoms, they should not be ignored.

Balance issues

Leg weakness and balance or walking problems can be a sign of a stroke. This is caused by a stroke occurring in a smaller area at the back of the brain. Balance issues are a tricky sign, as they can be caused by many other things, such as low blood pressure or inner ear problems. However, when caused by a stroke, balance problems are often accompanied by other symptoms.

Vision issues

Vision issues can include blurred vision, double vision, and trouble focusing. Sometimes, a stroke can cut off a person's peripheral vision, causing them to misjudge the space around them and bump into things. Vision issues can also include temporary vision loss, which can be a sign of an impending stroke.

Vision issues are caused by a stroke occurring in a smaller area at the back of the brain. The majority of visual processing occurs in the occipital lobe, at the back of the brain. If the right occipital lobe is injured, the left field of vision in each eye may be affected, and vice versa. If both sides of the brain are affected, this can result in blindness.

BE FAST

To help people recognise the signs of a stroke, the American Stroke Association introduced the mnemonic BE FAST in 2013. The 'B' stands for balance, and the 'E' for eyes/vision. The remaining letters stand for Face, Arm, and Speech, which are the most common symptoms of a stroke.

Risk reduction: regular exercise, healthy BMI

Regular exercise is a key factor in reducing the risk of stroke. According to the American Heart Association, healthy adults should aim for at least 40 minutes of moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise 3 to 4 days a week. This level of intensity means you should be breathing hard and your heart rate should be elevated. Exercise helps to reduce other risk factors for stroke, such as high blood pressure and obesity.

In addition to reducing the risk of stroke, regular exercise has numerous health benefits. It can help improve physical fitness, enhance cardiovascular health, and reduce the risk of other cardiovascular diseases. Exercise contributes to weight loss and can lower blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for stroke.

Maintaining a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI) is also important in stroke risk reduction. Obesity is a significant risk factor for stroke, and even a small amount of weight loss can have a positive impact on stroke risk. While an ideal BMI is 25 or less, this may not be realistic for everyone. It is essential to work with a healthcare professional to create a personalised weight management plan.

A healthy BMI can be achieved through a combination of regular exercise and a balanced diet. It is recommended to consume a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and lean meats, while limiting the intake of processed and packaged foods that are high in salt and saturated fat. Additionally, it is important to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, as these are all risk factors for stroke.

By incorporating regular exercise and maintaining a healthy BMI, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of stroke and improve their overall health and well-being.

Stroke prevention: annual checkups, urgent treatment

Strokes can happen to anyone, regardless of age or physical fitness. While strokes are much more common in older adults, the average age of Americans having a stroke is decreasing, with approximately 10-15% of strokes occurring in adults aged 18-50.

Annual Checkups

Stroke prevention starts with annual checkups, especially for young adults. Screening for underlying conditions can help manage risk factors and reduce the chances of having a stroke. Here are some measures you can take:

• Monitor your diet: Consuming processed foods and diets high in fat and sugar can increase the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity, which are major risk factors for strokes.
• Exercise regularly: Sedentary lifestyles can increase the risk of having a stroke. Aim to incorporate regular physical activity into your routine.
• Avoid smoking, vaping, and illicit drug use: These habits are associated with a higher risk of stroke.
• Limit alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol intake can contribute to stroke risk.
• Manage underlying health conditions: Certain health conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity, increase the risk of stroke. Work with your healthcare provider to manage these conditions effectively.

Urgent Treatment

If you or someone you know is exhibiting signs of a stroke, immediate medical attention is crucial. Here are the steps to take:

• Call 911: If you observe any stroke symptoms in yourself or others, don't delay. Call 911 right away.
• Get to the hospital quickly: Time is of the essence when it comes to stroke treatment. Don't drive yourself or let someone else drive you to the hospital. Calling 911 ensures that medical staff can begin life-saving treatment on the way to the emergency room.
• Receive emergency care: Once at the hospital, you may receive urgent care to stabilize your condition and prevent further damage.
• Undergo brain scans and medical evaluation: Healthcare professionals will perform brain scans to determine the type of stroke and assess your medical history and symptoms.
• Receive specialized treatment: Depending on the type of stroke, you may receive specific treatments such as clot-busting medications (thrombolytics), blood thinners, endovascular procedures, or surgery to remove blood clots or repair ruptured blood vessels.
• Begin rehabilitation: Rehabilitation, including speech, physical, and occupational therapy, often starts early in the recovery process to help prevent another stroke and improve long-term outcomes.

Frequently asked questions