Are Stroke Cases Growing among Younger Populations?

A recent study shows a startling increase in stroke cases among young people. 

In fact, statistics show that the number of stroke victims may double by 2030 with an increasing number of people between 20 and 64 years of age.

A worldwide study shows that this trend is likely to continue unless "effective preventative strategies are urgently implemented."

The impact of stroke has shifted over the years to many under the typical age of 74, and now accounts for 62 percent of new cases, according to background information from the study.

As many as 83,000 individuals aged 20 years or younger have a stroke ever year, that accounts for approximately 0.5 percent of the worldwide total.

And unfortunately, despite improvements in stroke prevention and management throughout high-income countries, the growth and aging of the global population continues to lead to a rise in the number of young and old patients suffering from this potentially fatal health issue.

In 2010, the number of people having a first stroke rose by 68 percent.

"This is the first study to compare incidence and impacts of stroke between countries on a global scale," said professor Feign, director of the National Institute for Stroke and Applied Neurosciences at AUT University in New Zealand, who led a team of international researchers.

Fortunately, this increase is also a reflection of an 84 percent rise in the number of survivors. However, low-income countries that may be more prone to such health problems while lacking the affordable technology for prevention techniques are still also at a much greater risk than others. 

"The worldwide stroke burden is growing very fast and there is now an urgent need for culturally acceptable and affordable stroke prevention, management and rehabilitation strategies to be developed and implemented worldwide," Feign said. "Urgent preventive measures and acute stroke care should be promoted in low-income and middle-income countries, and the provision of chronic stroke care should be developed worldwide".

What do you think?

More information regarding the study can be found via The Lancet.