Strokes are increasing among young adults, learn why

Strokes are on the rise in people between the ages of 18 and 44, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A stroke is an attack on the brain. It is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and the number one cause of disabilities among the adults. It is no longer considered an “elderly issue.”

Most common causes of stroke in young people

There are two main types of strokes:

• ischemic strokes are caused by blockages in blood vessels; they are the most common
• hemorrhagic strokes are the result of bleeding in and around the brain

The cause of stroke is the same for younger and older people. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 1 in 3 U.S. adults now has at least one of the conditions or habits that can contribute to a stroke, including:

• high blood pressure
• diabetes
• high cholesterol
• weight issues
• smoking and vaping

However, a stroke in a young person can happen for other reasons. Some causes include:

• arterial dissection: a tear in the inside wall of the blood vessel that causes blockage.
• patent foramen ovale (PFO): a hole in the wall separating the right and left atria of the heart that did not close after birth.
• drug use: including cocaine and methamphetamines.
• rare genetic disorders: such as Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy with Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) which affect the blood vessels in the brain.
• vascular diseases: such as moyamoya disease, a rare condition where arteries delivering blood to the brain become blocked or narrowed.

Worth noting: One study also revealed that certain nontraditional risk factors, such as migraines, are as important as traditional factors for adults younger than 35.

Signs of stroke in young people

When a stroke strikes, time is of the essence, no matter the age. There are several treatment options, and they are most effective in the first few hours after symptoms start.

Use the stroke acronym "BE FAST" to identify symptoms:

• Balance - Sudden difficulty with balance
• Eyes - Sudden problems with vision in one or both eyes
• Face - Droopiness on one side of the face or mouth
• Arms - Sudden weakness in one or more limbs
• Speech - Slurred words or an inability to repeat a simple sentence
• Time - Seek treatment quickly

Other sudden stroke symptoms:

• numbness of one side of the body in the face, arm or leg
• confusion
• difficulty walking or coordinating movement
• severe headache with no known cause

Call 911 immediately if you suspect a stroke.

Prevention strategies for young people

While there are risk factors you can't control, such as age, race or family history, there are things you can do to decrease your risk of having a stroke. This is especially important for non-Hispanic Black adults whose risk of having a first stroke is nearly twice as high as some other adults.

Big picture: Younger people with risk factors need more health screenings, especially for high blood pressure and diabetes. Ask your health care provider to check and help you manage your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugars — especially if you have a family history of strokes. Consider these additional ways of improving health and reducing the risk of stroke:

• Manage your weight: losing as little as 5 to 10 pounds can significantly lower your risk.
• Exercise regularly: aim for at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity.
• Get good sleep: issues like sleep apnea can cause low oxygen levels during sleep and elevate blood pressure.
• Limit alcohol use: generally, that's one drink per day for women and two for men.
• Don't smoke or vape: quitting these habits can significantly reduce your risk of stroke.

Go deeper: Get more information about stroke treatment.

If you need help managing health conditions that may contribute to stroke, start by establishing care with a primary care physician.