The truths behind younger people having stroke

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Experts have revealed that young people may also experience strokes from a poor diet and sedentary lifestyle.

Between the spike in work-from-home life, social distancing, and stress from the COVID-19 pandemic, people are more inactive now than ever before … leading to an increase in strokes among the youths.

According to a neurologist, between 10% and 15% of strokes occur in people ages 18 to 50. And rates among people under 45 appear to be on the rise. Recent research has found that ischemic stroke in younger adults is increasing.

Ischemic is one of two types of stroke. They’re the most common, accounting for about 87% of strokes, and they occur when a vessel supplying blood to the brain is obstructed.

Meanwhile, hemorrhagic strokes make up about only 13% of cases. They’re caused by a weakened vessel that ruptures and bleeds into the surrounding brain. The blood accumulates and compresses the surrounding brain tissue.

A neurologist said that young people are mistaken in thinking they’re innately protected from having a stroke. But there are factors that they can control to reduce their risk.

When you do drugs or smoke, that drives up your blood pressure, and high blood pressure can be a contributing factor, the neurologist explained.

Other reasons for increased strokes in young people are poor diet and more sedentary lifestyles. The latter has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It probably didn’t help that younger people were just sedentary at their job. They were sitting, zooming for meetings, not really moving as much,” she said.

So, how do you prevent a stroke at any age? Many ways: Try to quit smoking, limit your drinking, manage your weight, be more physically active, and get regular checkups. If you ever experience stroke symptoms (like slurred speech, confusion, or a sudden and severe headache), call help immediately.