A recent study published in the medical journal Neurology has found that stroke rates among young adults have nearly doubled over the past three decades. The study, which looked at strokes among adults ages 20 to 54 in the greater Cincinnati and northern Kentucky region, found that the rate of strokes among younger adults increased from 33.9 cases per 100,000 people in 1993 to 1994 to 62.2 cases per 100,000 people in 2020. This trend is concerning, as strokes can have a devastating impact on young people's lives.
The study reported a total of 2,076 first-ever strokes among the population from 1993 through 2020, with 738 cases occurring in Black individuals (35.6%) and 1,030 cases occurring in female individuals (49.6%). Ischemic strokes, which occur when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked, primarily drove the increase in stroke rates. The researchers also noted a rise in stroke risk factors across the 27-year period, including hypertension, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, and substance use.
According to Dr. David Robinson, senior author of the study and an assistant professor of clinical neurology and rehabilitation medicine at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, the increase in stroke rates among young adults is a significant concern. He emphasized that stroke is a devastating disease at any age, particularly when it happens to younger people. The disability that can result from a stroke can make it much harder for young adults to work, care for their families, and live their lives.
The study's findings suggest that more younger adults may be living with the long-term effects of a stroke. However, the researchers also found a slight increase in people surviving strokes, which is a positive trend. Dr. Robinson stressed the importance of young adults being aware of their cardiovascular health and taking steps to reduce their risk of a stroke. He recommended following the American Heart Association's "Essential 8" checklist, which includes eating a healthy diet, being active, not using tobacco, and managing factors such as weight, cholesterol, and blood pressure.
Experts agree that the rise in stroke rates among young adults is a trend that needs to be addressed. Dr. Christopher Anderson, chief of the stroke division in the department of neurology at Mass General Brigham in Boston, noted that the study's findings are consistent with earlier studies and highlight the importance of addressing cardiovascular risk factors. He also emphasized that the results are likely to be generalizable across the US population.
Dr. Michelle Leppert, a vascular neurologist at Tufts Medical Center, stressed the importance of studies that gather data on strokes among young adults. She noted that while the raw numbers of strokes among young adults are still relatively low, it is crucial to invest time and money into understanding this trend. Leppert also recommended that young adults be aware of their risk factors and take steps to reduce them, such as attending annual wellness checks with their doctors.
The study's findings serve as a reminder that strokes can occur at any age and that young adults should prioritize their cardiovascular health. By being aware of their risk factors and taking steps to reduce them, young adults can reduce their likelihood of having a stroke. As Dr. Robinson noted, it is essential to start thinking about cardiovascular health when you're younger, as this is likely to be the best time to intervene and reduce bad outcomes.
Key points
- The rate of strokes among young adults has nearly doubled over the past three decades, driven by rising risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and substance use.
