Why Are Strokes on the Rise in Young Adults?

The CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report identifies several key factors behind this trend:

• Increased high blood pressure in working-age adults. Even in young adults, high blood pressure can damage blood vessels and increase your risk of stroke.
• Growing diabetes rates among younger adults. Unmanaged blood sugar can also damage your blood vessels, which increases your risk.
• Rising obesity rates.
• Lifestyle factors, including smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and lack of exercise.
• The opioid epidemic's impact on heart health.

Types of Stroke

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and there are two main types:

• Ischemic: The majority (about 85%) of strokes for all ages are ischemic, where blood flow to the brain is blocked by plaque buildup or a clot.
• Hemorrhagic: Occurs when a blood vessel in your brain bursts and blood spills into the brain. Even though hemorrhagic strokes are less common, they cause more than 30% of all stroke deaths.

Both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes can cause brain cells to die quickly, which can lead to temporary or permanent brain damage. 

The increase in stroke prevalence among younger adults is particularly concerning because these incidents can affect:

• Long-term work ability
• Family responsibilities
• Quality of life
• Healthcare costs
• Recovery timeline

What Are the Signs of a Stroke?

When you know what signs to look for, you can help someone having a stroke get the emergency medical help they need. Here are the B.E. F.A.S.T. warning signs to watch for and remember:

• Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination.
• Eyes: Vision problems in one or both eyes.
• Face: Facial drooping on one side.
• Arms: Weakness or numbness in one arm.
• Speech: Difficulty speaking or slurred speech.
• Time: Call 911 immediately if you notice these symptoms. Note the time the first symptoms appeared and share that information with first responders.

“Younger patients are more likely to ignore stroke symptoms,” explains Fan Z. Caprio, MD, a neurologist at Northwestern Medicine. “They might more often write it off as low blood sugar or a migraine or something else. But if you’re losing a neurologic function, meaning you cannot see, talk, move or maintain balance — these could be signs of a stroke.”

Prevention Is Possible

Up to 80% of all strokes are preventable. Some risk factors cannot be changed, like your ethnic background or family history. However, lifestyle changes can help prevent your first stroke. They can also lower your risk of having another stroke. Dr. Caprio recommends these strategies:

• Manage and monitor your blood pressure. High blood pressure is one of the most common causes of stroke. High blood pressure can be successfully treated with medications and diet changes.
• Exercise regularly. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week.
• Maintain a healthy weight with a well-balanced diet, including plenty of fruits and vegetables.
• Get regular medical check-ups. Be sure to discuss your family and personal medical history with your care team to identify risk factors early.
• Quit or don’t start smoking. You probably know that tobacco is bad for your health. However, you may not know that smoking tightens and damages blood vessels. This can raise your risk of having a stroke. Exposure to secondhand smoke can also put you at risk. If you smoke, ask your care team about programs and products that can help you quit.
• Limit or avoid alcohol consumption. Alcohol can contribute to conditions that increase your risk of stroke like high blood pressure and diabetes. Heavy alcohol consumption can also hinder your liver’s ability to produce essential clotting proteins. This leaves you more vulnerable to a hemorrhagic stroke, a potentially life-threatening brain bleed.

If you notice any signs and symptoms of stroke, regardless of age, call 911 immediately. A stroke is a medical emergency. Don't wait to see if the symptoms get better. Immediate treatment is critical for protecting brain function and improving recovery chances.

Learn more about strokes.