Health for Body Mind and Soul

Recent evidence published in the Annals of Neurology indicates the incidence of strokes among the younger generation is increasing.

Researchers from the CDC recently conducted a study which showed that the incidence of stroke for people ages 15 to 44 increased by more than 33% in recent years.  Researchers believe this current increase may be due to the rise in various diseases in the younger generation including high blood pressure and diabetes.

In the study, researchers examined data from hospitalizations for 15 to 44 years old from 1994 through 2008.  Patients’ records showed 33% of the patients admitted for stroke had high blood pressure, and 25% of the patients admitted had diabetes.  There was also a higher incidence of smoking among stroke patients as well.

Most surprising for researchers was that these symptoms typically are found in older patients.  This indicates that age is not the only factor that contributes to stroke.  Major health factors including diet, exercise, and smoking can highly impact the risk of stroke no matter what the age of the patient.

Although the risk of stroke nearly doubles for every 10 years over the age of 55, the alarming increase in the risk of stroke for younger adults poses a potentially serious problem.  Teens and young adults should pay serious attention to diet and exercise and avoid smoking to reduce the likelihood of stroke.

View original research