September 12, 2019

Why Are Strokes on the Rise in Younger People?

Know the warning signs + decrease your risk

Man bracing himself against a wall

That feeling of invincibility that comes with being young? You might want to check it at the door and brace yourself: Stroke is no longer just your grandma and grandpa’s concern. An increasing number of not-yet-middle aged people are having strokes, too.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

“I see a lot of younger people ignoring stroke symptoms because they think they are too young or too healthy,” says neurologist Blake Buletko, MD. “Knowing the warning signs and seeking help right away can prevent a stroke from limiting your future productivity.”

Can youngish people have strokes?

Absolutely. In fact, an estimated 10% of strokes occur in people under age 50.

“Illicit drug use and genetic conditions certainly account for some of the strokes we see in younger populations,” says Dr. Buletko. “Beyond that, the causes of stroke in younger adults mirror the causes in adults, with arterial dissection — small tears in an artery (which can also occur with trauma) that cause the artery to close off) — being responsible for a larger proportion of strokes in younger adults.”

Some of the inherited causes of stroke in people under age 50 include:

Advertisement
  • Congenital heart disease: Any conditions leading to structural abnormalities of the heart or irregular heart rhythms increase the risk of stroke.
  • Blood clotting disorders: Conditions that increase the tendency of platelets or red blood cells to clot while moving through the body can lead to stroke.
  • Sickle cell disease: Deformed sickle cells may block arteries and vessels and increase the risk of stroke considerably. (This risk in younger people is 200x higher than someone without sickle cell disease.)
  • Metabolic conditions: Conditions like Fabry disease may cause you to develop stroke risk factors such as narrowing of blood vessels supplying blood to the brain, high blood pressure or abnormal cholesterol levels.

Stroke prevention starts by modifying risk factors

Modifying risk factors is the most important step you can take to prevent strokes as a younger adult,” notes Dr. Buletko. “Take an active role in having a healthy lifestyle so you don’t experience risk factors prematurely. And, if you have a known genetic condition, follow up with your physician regularly.”

The risk factors for strokes in all age groups include:

Stroke symptoms in younger adults: Know the warning signs

Dr. Buletko also recommends being familiar with stroke warning signs: “Never assume you’re exempt from having a stroke,” he says.

Due to laser-sharp memories, younger people have a good chance of remembering the warning-sign acronym BE FAST, which stands for:

Advertisement
  • Balance: A sudden loss of balance or coordination.
  • Eyes: Sudden vision loss in one or both eyes and having double vision.
  • Face: Any drooping on one side of the face.
  • Arms: Sudden weakness in one arm or leg.
  • Speech: Slurring or difficulty speaking or understanding words.
  • Time: Quickly call 911 if you experience any of these symptoms.

Dr. Buletko adds severe onset of a headache as a warning sign specific to younger people, specifically for hemorrhagic strokes or bleeding into the brain. Pain characterized as the worst headache of your life or a thunderclap feeling in your head is a (hopefully obvious) sign that you should see a physician immediately.

“Don’t wait to get help if you experience any of these symptoms,” advises Dr. Buletko. “We can do a lot more early on than if you wait several hours. Your quality of life depends on you seeking help immediately.”

Related Articles

women and strokes and stroke risk
January 2, 2023
Causes of Stroke in Women and Why They Differ From Men

Hormonal changes and pregnancy are some factors unique to women and people AFAB

A table full of dishes like a charcuterie board, olives, nuts and bread
May 18, 2021
A Poor Diet Increases Your Risk of Dying from Heart Disease, Stroke, Diabetes

Your food choices can have a profound impact on how long you’ll live

woman eating fruit salad
January 6, 2021
Can These Foods Help Prevent Stroke?

What you eat may protect you from a ‘brain attack’

Older couple plays tennis
February 12, 2019
Want to Lower Your Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke? You Have More Power Than You May Think

Your heart (and its health) is your responsibility

A person holding a prescription bottle with pills.
October 14, 2018
Do I Really Need a Blood Thinner for My AFib ?

The Short Answer from a cardiologist

Why Women's Risk for Stroke is Different From Men's
July 30, 2018
Why Women’s Risk for Stroke is Different From Men’s

Female-only factors add another layer

Little child holding her head in pain.
March 1, 2016
Would You Know If Your Child Was Having a Stroke?

Stroke symptoms in kids often missed or misunderstood

Hand trying to write on paper, with hand shaking, tremoring
March 12, 2024
Seizure Warning Signs and Symptoms May Not Be What You Expect

Seizure symptoms can go far beyond convulsions and may include feelings of déjà vu, temporary confusion and unusual movements

Trending Topics

White bowls full of pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate and various kinds of nuts
25 Magnesium-Rich Foods You Should Be Eating

A healthy diet can easily meet your body’s important demands for magnesium

Woman feeling for heart rate in neck on run outside, smartwatch and earbuds
Heart Rate Zones Explained

A super high heart rate means you’re burning more than fat

Spoonful of farro salad with tomato
What To Eat If You’ve Been Diagnosed With Prediabetes

Type 2 diabetes isn’t inevitable with these dietary changes

Ad