In the last few years, cases of stroke along with heart attack have also been seen increasing significantly. Both these problems can be fatal, unfortunately, the risk has been found to increase rapidly even in young people.
Brain stroke is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Those who survive may be at risk of many health problems, such as paralysis, speech-sight-related problems, and cognitive problems. Health experts say, cases of stroke have also been seen increasing in people under 40, which is a matter of serious concern.
A brain stroke occurs when something blocks the blood supply to part of the brain or a blood vessel in the brain bursts. Stroke can cause permanent brain damage, long-term disability, or even death. Not everyone has symptoms of a stroke, some research suggests that symptom-free strokes are more common. Let us know why the risk of stroke is increasing among youth and adults also?
Risk of stroke is increasing in young adults
Talking to Amar Ujala, neurologist Dr Prakhar Sahay says, a stroke can happen to a person of any age. Obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes are the main factors increasing the risks of this problem in young adults. Stroke is more common in older people. However, about one in seven stroke cases is seen in people in the age group of 15-49.
Research as of 2021 shows that 10-15% of strokes occur in adults aged 18-50. Our disturbed routine is also the reason for increasing this danger.
Obesity and risk of stroke
The report of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive Kidney Disorders shows that obesity increases the risk of stroke by several times. Due to obesity, many types of complications like high blood pressure, diabetes, and blood vessel problems also start increasing, which is its main risk factor. Dr Sahay says, if weight is controlled then the risks of this serious and fatal problem can be avoided.
High blood pressure-diabetes problem
High blood pressure and diabetes are two major reasons that can increase the risk of stroke. Unfortunately, both these problems are increasing rapidly among the youth. High blood pressure causes high pressure on the artery walls, which can cause the arteries that supply blood to the brain to burst or become blocked.
Whereas in diabetes, the condition of high blood sugar starts damaging the blood vessels in various parts of the body including the brain, which can also cause stroke. People who have both these diseases need to make continuous efforts to keep them under control.
Smoking is the biggest reason
Dr. Sahay says, that in the diagnosis of most of the cases of stroke in young adults, it is seen that the patients have been victims of smoking. Smoking or breathing secondhand smoke can also increase the risk of stroke. Due to this habit, triglycerides and bad cholesterol in the blood increase, and the risk of blood clotting also increases. Blood vessels begin to thicken or narrow which can lead to stroke.
Staying away from smoking is most important to prevent the risk of stroke.
(PC: Freepik)
