increased risk of stroke
Stroke, usually considered a disease of the elderly, is now increasingly occurring in people under the age of 55. In the last few decades, its incidence has decreased among the elderly, while this problem is increasing among young adults.
data analysis
In England, the incidence of stroke in people aged 35 to 54 increased by about 2% each year between 2001 and 2010, while incidence in the overall population declined. A similar trend was seen in the US, where stroke cases among people aged 20 to 54 increased from 34 to 62 per lakh population between 1993-2020.
In 2021, nearly 28 lakh people under the age of 55 suffered a stroke, with 90% of the cases from low- and middle-income countries. It is estimated that the incidence of ischemic stroke in people aged 20 to 39 years will increase by 12% between 2020 and 2030.
Causes of trauma in youth
Why the risk of stroke is increasing among youth:
There are many changeable reasons behind the increasing cases of stroke among youth. An international study identified 10 risk factors that are responsible for 92% of strokes in people under the age of 55. These include high blood pressure, lack of physical activity, increased cholesterol levels, unbalanced diet, obesity, smoking, heart problems, diabetes, alcohol consumption and mental health factors.
According to the study, high blood pressure alone causes almost half of the cases of stroke in people under the age of 55. Lack of regular exercise is linked to more than one-third of cases.
impact of health problems
The study of 1,765 people aged 18 to 49 in Britain found that 42% of patients had high blood pressure, 24% had high cholesterol, 23% smoked and 14% had diabetes. The incidence of obesity and diabetes among youth has increased over the past three decades, increasing the risk of stroke.
If these health problems are not treated, they can gradually increase the risk of stroke.
lack of awareness
Recognizing trauma in youth can be difficult. A study in the US found that people aged 18 to 44 were more likely to be sent home from emergency departments despite having suffered a stroke.
Symptoms of stroke in the young sometimes differ from those in the elderly. Common symptoms of a stroke include a drooping face, difficulty raising both arms simultaneously, and slurred speech, but these symptoms are not always seen in youth.
Ways to reduce the risk of stroke
What to do to reduce the risk of stroke:
Most trauma in youth is associated with modifiable risk factors. It is necessary to get blood pressure checked regularly. Apart from this, diabetes and cholesterol should also be checked. Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding smoking and getting regular exercise, are also important.
Stress and the habit of working for long hours should also be taken seriously.