While strokes are most common in older adults, recent years have brought an increase in incidence among younger and middle-aged adults. Experts say high blood pressure, sedentary lifestyles, obesity and drug use are among the factors fueling the increase.
A 2024 Centers for Disease Control & Prevention report found that stroke rates in younger adults are on the rise. The study looked at the time spans of 2011-2013 and 2020-2022. In comparing the two, it found a 14.6% increase in strokes in people ages 18 to 44 and a 15.7% increase in people ages 45 to 64.
“The uptick in strokes in younger people is a warning sign,” says Dr. Thomas Mattio, a Neurologist with Neuroscience Group and Medical Director of the ThedaCare Comprehensive Stroke Center. “These findings underscore the importance of recognizing the risk factors for stroke and taking steps to address them.”
National Stroke Awareness Month
May marks National Stroke Awareness Month. The annual observance is aimed at:
- Educating people about stroke
- Understanding the risk factors
- Promoting prevention steps
- Encouraging action in the event of a stroke
Educating on the Facts
A stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is stopped. In an ischemic stroke, a blood vessel in the brain becomes blocked. Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, spilling blood into nearby tissues. Ischemic strokes are much more common than hemorrhagic.
People also can have a transient ischemic attack (TIA). Sometimes also called a mini-stroke, a TIA results from a temporary clot. Most TIAs last less than an hour, but they can last up to 24 hours.
“TIAs don’t cause permanent damage, but it’s important for people to seek prompt care,” Dr. Mattio says. “A TIA dramatically increases a person’s odds of suffering a stroke.”
Stroke can affect people in many ways, depending on where in the brain it occurs. People may experience changes in physical health, cognition, emotions and behaviors. Stroke also can lead to problems with communication, vision and hearing.
Understanding Risk
Age is a major risk factor for stroke. Approximately 75% of strokes occur in people over the age of 65, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Age is a non-modifiable risk factor for stroke, meaning individuals can’t change it. Other non-modifiable risk factors include family and personal health history, race, and gender assigned at birth.
“While you can’t change some factors, it’s good to understand them and talk with your doctor about them,” Dr. Mattio says.
Stroke also has many modifiable risk factors. These include:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Obesity
- Poor diet
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Smoking
- Use of illegal drugs
“We’re seeing an increase in risk factors among younger people,” Dr. Mattio says. “These are contributing to the rise in the incidence of stroke in these age groups.”
Preventing Stroke
People of any age can take steps to reduce their stroke risk. These include:
- Maintaining a healthy weight. Being overweight increases risk for high blood pressure and stroke since it requires the heart to work harder, which can damage blood vessels in the brain.
- Getting regular physical activity. Exercise can lower cholesterol and blood pressure while also helping people maintain a healthy weight and manage stress.
- Quitting smoking. Smoking raises blood pressure, leading to an increased risk of stroke.
- Limiting alcohol and avoiding drug use. Drinking also can raise blood pressure. Experts recommend drinking in moderation, if at all. Drugs including cocaine, heroin and amphetamines increase the risk for stroke. Misusing prescription drugs such as opioids also ups risk.
- Managing cholesterol. High cholesterol can lead to blockages in the blood vessels, making it harder for the heart to pump blood to the brain. Eat a healthy diet, exercise and have your cholesterol checked if your physician recommends it.
- Controlling diabetes. Those with diabetes should manage their blood sugar. This can help lower the risk for stroke.
- Staying on top of routine care. A primary care provider can help track and manage blood pressure and evaluate for other stroke risk factors.
Encouraging Action
“It’s important to recognize the signs of stroke and to remember that anyone of any age can have a stroke,” Dr. Mattio says.
Knowing the signs of stroke and getting immediate treatment can lower a person’s risk of developing severe long-lasting effects.
The American Stroke Association put together a simple acronym to recognize a stroke: BE FAST.
- B: Balance — sudden loss of balance or trouble walking
- E: Eyesight — sudden vision changes, including double vision
- F: Face — drooping or numbness on one side of the face
- A: Arms (or leg) — weakness or numbness in one arm or leg, especially on the same side of the body
- S: Speech — difficulty speaking or slurred speech
- T: Time — time to call 911
That last one is critical. In the event of a suspected stroke, it’s crucial to call 911 versus transporting someone to the emergency department yourself. This allows emergency medical teams to begin lifesaving treatment in the ambulance.
“This May, educate yourself on stroke signs and prevention steps,” Dr. Mattio says. “Remember that you can take many positive steps to reduce your risk of stroke, regardless of your age.”
Learn more about stroke care through ThedaCare
