Stroke Risk At 52: What You Need To Know

Although strokes are more common in individuals over 60, with the risk doubling every decade after 55, about 10% of stroke victims are under 50. In fact, the rate of hospitalization for the most common type of stroke rose more than 20% from 2003 to 2012 for people aged 45 to 54. This means that it is important for people in their 50s to be aware of the risk factors and warning signs of strokes.

Risk factors for stroke

While anyone can have a stroke at any age, certain factors can increase your chances of having one. Some of these risk factors are beyond your control, such as your age, family history, race, and gender. However, there are also several controllable risk factors that you can take steps to mitigate.

Uncontrollable Risk Factors

Age is a significant factor, as the older you get, the more likely you are to experience a stroke. The chance of having a stroke doubles every ten years after the age of 55. Additionally, your genetic makeup and family history can play a role. If a parent or close relative has had a stroke, your risk is higher, especially if it occurred at a younger age.

Race and ethnicity also influence stroke risk. In the United States, Black, Alaska Native, American Indian, and Hispanic adults have a higher incidence of stroke compared to White adults.

Controllable Risk Factors

High blood pressure is a leading cause of stroke. It often presents with no symptoms, so regular checks are crucial. Lowering high blood pressure through lifestyle changes or medication can significantly reduce your risk.

Cholesterol is another factor. A blood test can determine your cholesterol levels, and if they are high, steps can be taken to lower them.

Heart disorders, such as coronary artery disease, heart valve defects, atrial fibrillation, and enlarged heart chambers, can increase the risk of blood clots, which may lead to a stroke.

Diabetes is a controllable risk factor that can cause a buildup of sugars in the blood, preventing oxygen and nutrients from reaching the brain. High blood pressure is common in people with diabetes, further increasing the risk of stroke.

Obesity is linked to higher "bad" cholesterol and triglyceride levels and lower "good" cholesterol levels. It is also associated with high blood pressure and diabetes, both of which are risk factors for stroke.

Lifestyle choices, such as diet, physical activity, alcohol consumption, and tobacco use, can also increase the risk of stroke. A diet high in saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol has been linked to stroke. Excessive alcohol consumption can raise blood pressure and increase triglyceride levels, hardening the arteries. Not getting enough physical activity can lead to health conditions that raise the risk of stroke, including obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

Anxiety, depression, high stress levels, long working hours, and lack of social contact may also contribute to an increased risk of stroke.

Mitigating Your Risk

While some risk factors are beyond your control, many can be mitigated through lifestyle changes and medical intervention. Regular check-ups with your doctor and understanding your risk factors are crucial to lowering your chances of experiencing a stroke.

Lifestyle changes to prevent stroke

It is possible to have a stroke at 52, and while the risk of stroke increases with age, it is important to remember that anyone can have a stroke, regardless of age.

Diet

Adopting a healthy diet is crucial for stroke prevention. A low-sodium, lower-fat, and high-fibre diet is recommended, including plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables (aim for 4 to 5 cups per day), whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. Limit your salt intake to no more than 1,500 milligrams (about half a teaspoon) to 6 grams (0.2 ounces) per day, as excess salt can increase blood pressure. Additionally, avoid high-cholesterol foods like burgers, cheese, and ice cream. Eating fish two to three times a week is also beneficial.

Exercise

Regular exercise is essential for maintaining a healthy weight and lowering cholesterol and blood pressure. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per day, or 150 minutes per week. Walking, golfing, playing tennis, cycling, and fast walking are great options. If you are unable to do 30 minutes consecutively, break it up into 10- to 15-minute sessions throughout the day.

Smoking Cessation

Smoking significantly increases the risk of stroke by narrowing arteries and promoting blood clot formation. Quitting smoking is one of the most powerful lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your stroke risk. Seek advice from your doctor and utilise quit-smoking aids to help you succeed.

Alcohol Consumption

Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to high blood pressure and atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat), both of which increase the risk of stroke. Limit your alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day, or follow country-specific guidelines (e.g., no more than 14 units per week for men and women in the UK).

Blood Pressure Control

High blood pressure is a significant risk factor for stroke. Monitor your blood pressure regularly, and if it is elevated, work with your doctor to develop a treatment plan. This may include lifestyle changes and/or medication.

Cholesterol Management

High cholesterol levels can increase the risk of stroke by contributing to clogged arteries. Maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and if needed, take medication to manage your cholesterol levels.

Diabetes Control

If you have diabetes, work towards controlling your blood sugar levels through diet, exercise, and medication, as instructed by your doctor. High blood sugar can damage blood vessels over time, making clot formation more likely.

Atrial Fibrillation Treatment

Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heartbeat that increases the risk of stroke by forming clots in the heart. Take this condition seriously and seek treatment, which may include anticoagulant medication, to reduce your stroke risk.

Remember, even small changes can make a significant difference in reducing your risk of stroke.

Stroke symptoms

While strokes are more common in older individuals, they can occur at any age. A stroke is a life-threatening condition that occurs when there is an interruption to the blood supply to the brain. This can be due to a blockage, such as a clot, or bleeding in the brain.

• Face Drooping: One side of the face may droop or feel numb. Ask the person to smile and check if their smile is uneven.
• Arm Weakness: One arm may be weak or numb. Ask the person to raise both arms and observe if one arm drifts downward.
• Speech Difficulty: The person may experience slurred speech or have trouble choosing the right words.
• Time to Call for Help: Stroke is a medical emergency. Call 911 immediately if you observe any of the above symptoms. Time is critical, and early treatment improves the chances of recovery without disability.

Additionally, the B.E.F.A.S.T. acronym includes the following:

• Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination, dizziness, or vertigo.
• Eyes: Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, or double vision.

Other possible stroke symptoms include:

• Numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body.
• Sudden confusion, disorientation, or trouble understanding speech.
• Severe headache with no known cause.
• Trouble walking.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Emotional instability and personality changes.
• Memory loss.
• Passing out or fainting.

If you or someone you know is exhibiting any of these symptoms, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention.

Types of stroke

Anyone can have a stroke, regardless of age, race, or gender. While strokes are more common in individuals over 60, about 10% of stroke victims are under 50.

There are two main types of stroke—ischemic strokes and hemorrhagic strokes—based on what causes the lack of blood flow to the brain. Strokes can be deadly or cause lasting brain damage, especially without adequate treatment, so getting medical attention immediately is crucial.

Ischemic Stroke

Ischemic strokes are caused by a blocked blood vessel and account for about 87% of all stroke cases. The blockage can be a blood clot or a buildup of a fatty substance called plaque. They present typical stroke symptoms such as:

• Weakness or numbness of the face, arms, or legs, especially on one side of the body.
• Confusion or difficulty speaking or understanding.
• Problems with vision, such as dimness or loss of vision in one or both eyes.
• Dizziness or problems with balance or coordination, including difficulty with walking.
• Loss of consciousness or seizure.
• Severe headaches with no other known cause, especially if sudden onset.

Ischemic strokes are further divided into two main categories—thrombotic and embolic—based on the original location of the blood clot. Thrombotic strokes involve a blood clot originating in the brain, while embolic strokes result from a blood clot that forms elsewhere in the body and travels to the brain.

Hemorrhagic Stroke

Hemorrhagic strokes result from a weakened blood vessel that ruptures and bleeds into the brain. They are rarer than ischemic strokes but progress more quickly and are usually more severe in symptoms. The two types of weakened blood vessels that usually cause hemorrhagic strokes are aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). The most common cause of hemorrhagic strokes is uncontrolled high blood pressure.

Hemorrhagic strokes have two subtypes, depending on where the bleeding occurs:

• Intraparenchymal: Bleeding directly in the brain tissue, often resulting from high blood pressure.
• Subarachnoid: Bleeding occurs in the subarachnoid space, between the brain and the surrounding membrane, often due to aneurysm or arteriovenous malformation.

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) is often called a "mini stroke." It resembles an ischemic stroke but lasts only a few minutes. It may not cause permanent damage but is often a warning sign of a full ischemic stroke in the future.

Cryptogenic Stroke

A cryptogenic stroke is a stroke of unknown origin, meaning doctors can’t identify what caused it.

Brainstem Stroke

Brainstem stroke describes the location of the stroke, not the cause. Brainstem strokes can be particularly debilitating because the brainstem controls essential functions like breathing, heartbeat, and consciousness.

Stroke treatment

Anyone can have a stroke, regardless of age, race, or gender. However, the risk of having a stroke increases as people get older. In fact, about 10% of stroke victims are under the age of 50, and 25% are under 65.

If you or someone you know is showing signs of a stroke, call emergency services immediately. The key to stroke treatment and recovery is getting to the hospital quickly. Once at the hospital, you may receive emergency care, treatment to prevent another stroke, and rehabilitation to treat the side effects of the stroke.

In the first 24 hours after a stroke, treatment may include:

• Medicine to get rid of blood clots in the brain (thrombolysis)
• Surgery to remove a blood clot (thrombectomy) or drain fluid from the brain
• A procedure to stop pressure from building up inside the skull or brain

While in the hospital, a healthcare team of doctors, specialists, and therapists will help with recovery. Treatments may include:

• Anticoagulants to stop blood clots from forming
• Medicines to lower blood pressure
• Statins to lower cholesterol

After a stroke, patients may experience paralysis, weakness, trouble with thinking, awareness, attention, learning, judgment, memory, problems understanding or forming speech, trouble controlling or expressing emotions, numbness, strange sensations, pain in the hands and feet, trouble with chewing and swallowing, and problems with bladder and bowel control.

Rehabilitation after a stroke can include working with speech, physical, and occupational therapists. Speech therapy helps people who have problems producing or understanding speech. Physical therapy uses exercises to help patients relearn movement and coordination skills. Occupational therapy focuses on improving daily activities such as eating, drinking, dressing, bathing, reading, and writing.

Frequently asked questions