Why Are Strokes on the Rise For the Young and Old?
Typically, we associate strokes with elderly people in America. Yet, in May 20224, the CDC published a report stating that strokes were on the rise by nearly 8% for people between the ages of 18 to 64.
What we once thought was linked to age-related conditions like high blood pressure and atherosclerosis, strokes are now affecting people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s.
An Increase in Strokes
This disturbing shift raises many different questions about underlying causes and risk factors. Together, let’s take a look at why strokes are on the rise in younger folks in America and see if there’s any possible way to reverse the trend.
What Causes Strokes?
A stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. This, in turn, deprives the brain tissue of oxygen and essential nutrients. Within minutes, brain cells begin to die, leading to potentially irreversible damage.
Typically, there are two types of strokes: ischemic strokes and hemorrhagic strokes. Ischemic strokes are caused by blood clots or other blockages in the brain's blood vessels. Meanwhile, hemorrhagic strokes are caused by a rupture of those vessels.
There are also mini-strokes, which is an ischemic attack. Although these are less severe than an ischemic stroke, they’re still considered to be a medical emergency that should be taken very seriously.
Regardless of the type, strokes can have devastating consequences, including paralysis, speech difficulties, cognitive impairments and, in some cases, death. For younger people, the aftermath of a stroke can affect their careers, personal lives, and long-term health.
Why Are Strokes on the Rise?
A report published by the CDC in May of this year jumpstarted this conversation. It found that, between two different spans of time from 2011 - 2013 and 2020 - 2022, strokes increased for people between the ages of 18 to 64 by 7.8%.
People found this alarming because the average age for a stroke is in a person’s 70s. At this time, there’s no clear explanation as to why this is happening, but a few factors may be at play, including high blood pressure and obesity.
This also leads to a common question: are strokes hereditary? And the answer is, yes, they can be. But, for those who don’t have a family history of strokes, let’s look at a few other possibilities.
Lifestyle and Dietary Changes
These days, more and more people are exposed to unhealthy dietary habits and sedentary lifestyles, both of which can contribute to a stroke.
Fast food, processed meals, and diets high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats are common – and they increase our risk of obesity, high cholesterol, and hypertension. Each of these conditions can contribute to a stroke.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is one of the most significant risk factors for a stroke and it’s becoming increasingly common among younger people.
In some cases, people are either unaware they have high blood pressure or don’t take it seriously enough to manage it properly. Sadly, uncontrolled hypertension can cause damage to blood vessels which could increase the risk of blood clots and lead to ischemic strokes.
Substance Abuse
The misuse of drugs, including cocaine, amphetamines, and even alcohol, can also increase the likelihood of a stroke.
Illicit drug use can cause blood vessels to constrict or rupture, leading to hemorrhagic strokes. Tthe opioid epidemic and rising rates of substance abuse have further compounded the risk of strokes among younger individuals.
Mental Health and Stress
Mental health struggles, including depression, anxiety, and chronic stress, are often overlooked but can have a profound impact on the risk of stroke risk.
Stress can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as overeating, alcohol abuse, or smoking, all of which increase the likelihood of cardiovascular problems. Stress and mental health issues have been linked to the development of conditions like hypertension, further increasing the risk of stroke.
How to Prevent Strokes
Heart health is something we should all take seriously. Regular checkups with your primary care physician are your best defense, in terms of preventative care and treating certain underlying conditions. Here are a few additional tips.
Eat a Balanced, Heart-Healthy Diet
The foods we eat can have a direct impact on our risk of stroke. A diet that promotes heart health can help reduce these chances.
Increase Fruits and Vegetables: These are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that promote cardiovascular health.
Choose Whole Grains: Whole grains like oats, quinoa, and brown rice help maintain stable blood sugar levels and are rich in fiber.
Limit Processed Foods: Processed foods are often high in salt, unhealthy fats, and sugar, all of which can raise the risk of a stroke.
Limit Alcohol Consumption
Drinking too much alcohol raises blood pressure and can lead to conditions like atrial fibrillation, which can increase the risk of stroke.
Moderate Intake: Limit alcohol consumption to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.
Avoid Binge Drinking: Excessive alcohol consumption can spike blood pressure and increase stroke risk.
Manage Stress and Mental Health
Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can also increase the risk of a stroke due to their effects on blood pressure and unhealthy coping mechanisms.
Practice Stress Reduction: Activities like yoga, meditation, deep breathing exercises, and mindfulness can help reduce stress.
Seek Professional Help: If you're struggling with anxiety or depression, therapy or medication can make a big difference.
A Proactive Approach to Health
For all of us, preventing strokes requires a proactive approach, focusing on risk factors like high blood pressure and lifestyle habits.
By maintaining a heart-healthy diet, limiting alcohol intake, and remaining vigilant about our mental health, we can significantly reduce the risk of complications to our cardiovascular systems.
Keep coming back for more health-related news. With our finger on the pulse, we’ll do everything we can to keep you up to date with the latest news and developments.