Stroke is typically thought of as a health concern for older individuals, but recent studies have shown that younger people are also at risk. In fact, the number of strokes among those under 50 has been on the rise.

This article will explore why younger people may be at risk for stroke, the signs and symptoms, prevention measures, and treatment options.

What exactly is a stroke?

A stroke is a sudden interruption of blood flow to the brain.

This can happen for two main reasons: either a clot (ischemic stroke) blocks one of the blood vessels that carry blood to the brain, or a blood vessel bursts (hemorrhagic stroke), resulting in blood leaking into the brain.

What puts younger people at risk for stroke?

While strokes can occur at any age, the following factors put younger people at higher risk：.

High blood pressure – Uncontrolled high blood pressure is one of the biggest risk factors for stroke, regardless of age
Smoking – Cigarette smoking increases the risk of stroke, particularly in younger people
Diabetes – Diabetes can damage blood vessels and increase the chances of clots forming
Obesity – Excessive body weight can contribute to high blood pressure, diabetes, and other risk factors for stroke
Heart disease – Those with heart disease, particularly atrial fibrillation, are at increased risk for stroke
Drug abuse – Illicit drug use, particularly cocaine and methamphetamine, can cause blood vessels to narrow, rupture, or spasm

Signs and symptoms of stroke

When a stroke occurs, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention as treatment within the first few hours of symptoms greatly improves the chances of recovery. The following are common signs and symptoms:.

Facial drooping – One side of the face may droop or feel numb
Arm weakness – One arm may feel weak or numb and may droop when raised
Speech difficulties – Speech may be slurred or difficult to understand
Vision problems – Vision may be blurred, doubled, or lost in one or both eyes
Headache – Sudden and severe headache, particularly when accompanied by other symptoms, may indicate a stroke
Dizziness or loss of balance – There may be sudden dizziness, difficulty walking, or loss of coordination

Prevention measures for stroke

While some causes of stroke are beyond our control, many can be managed or prevented by practicing healthy habits. Here are some preventative measures individuals can take to lower their risk of stroke:.

Manage high blood pressure – Keep blood pressure under control through diet, exercise, and medication
Quit smoking – Smoking cessation greatly reduces the risk of stroke and other health complications
Eat a healthy diet – Consume plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while avoiding processed foods, sugary drinks, and excess salt
Avoid excessive alcohol – Stick to no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks for men
Exercise regularly – Aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week
Manage diabetes – Control blood sugar levels through medication, diet, and exercise
Maintain a healthy weight – Achieve and maintain a healthy weight through a combination of healthy eating and exercise

Treatment options for stroke

Treatment for stroke typically focuses on quickly restoring blood flow to the brain in order to prevent further damage. The following are common treatment options:.

Clot-busting drugs – In some cases, medication can be given to dissolve the clot that caused the ischemic stroke
Endovascular treatment – This procedure involves threading a catheter through a blood vessel in the groin up to the brain and manually removing the clot
Surgery – In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the clot or repair a ruptured blood vessel in the brain
Rehabilitation – For long-term recovery, rehabilitation may include physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy

Conclusion

While strokes typically affect older individuals, younger people are also at risk, especially in the presence of risk factors such as high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and drug abuse.

It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of stroke and seek immediate medical attention. Prevention measures such as managing blood pressure, quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, and maintaining a healthy weight can help to reduce the risk of stroke.

In the event of a stroke, quick treatment options such as clot-busting drugs and endovascular treatment can make all the difference in the level of long-term recovery.