Young Adults are at a Higher Risk For Strokes

Fifteen percent of the most common types of strokes are seen in young adults and adolescents and they are showing more risk factors for such strokes, according to a novel finding. 

Strokes are one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. and every year more than 800,000 people die in the country from cardiovascular diseases as well strokes. One in 18 people die from strokes. This disease is sometimes called a brain attack as it occurs when a clot blocks the supply of blood to the brain.

"The impact of strokes in this age group is devastating to the adolescent or young adult, their families and society," said Neurologist Jose Biller of Loyola University Medical Center who is a co-author of the report.

According to the study reports, between 532,000 and 852,000 people of ages 18-44 have suffered a stroke. There was an increase of  23 to 53 percent  in the number of people of ages 15-44 discharged from U.S. hospitals after a stroke between 1995-1996 and 2007-2008.

Previously, a study documented in the American Academy of Neurology Journal stated that strokes are getting common at younger age. One in five victims below the age of 55 suffer from stokes. There is a rise in this trend due to the risk factors such as obesity, diabetes and high cholesterol.  

About 85 percent of the strokes that occur are ischemic, caused due to blocked blood flow to brain. More young people are showing risk factors like diabetes, smoking, obesity and high cholesterol levels for ischemic strokes.

"And while coping with the shock of having a stroke, younger survivors may be dealing with relationships, careers and raising children - issues that require additional awareness and resources," according to the study report.

The authors emphasize on the need to educate young people about the ischemic risk factors as well as the warning signs in schools, work place and primary care physicians.

The findings were reported in the journal Neurology.