Neurologists around the world are warning of an increase in strokes in young people. Although stroke has historically been associated with old age, the most recent data show that the trend is changing rapidly and worryingly.
This epidemiological shift requires understanding the new causes of stroke in young people and adapting prevention strategies. Understanding the problem now is key to avoiding a much greater future social and economic burden.
A worrying trend: more strokes among young people
A global analysis published in The Lancet Neurology showed that, from 1990 to 2021, the incidence of stroke in people under 55 years of age increased, while in older people it stagnated. Among young people, the increase was most notable in low- and middle-income countries.
A CDC report revealed that adults between 45 and 64 years of age experienced a 15% increase in the prevalence of stroke between 2011 and 2022; In the 18-44 age group, the increase was 14.6%.
According to the review published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, strokes in those under 50 now represent 10-14% of all strokes in the United States and Europe, with a steady upward trend.
Uncontrolled hypertension explains much of the phenomenon. A cross-sectional study using NHANES data found that 83.7% of hypertensive adults in the US maintain levels above 130/80 mmHg, with those under 45 being the least aware of their condition (Richardson et al., 2024).
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Cases of stroke are increasing, especially in young people… and here’s why.
May 13, 2025 by Admin
Why is the risk increased?
Uncontrolled hypertension
High blood pressure is the strongest individual determinant of stroke. When it begins in the third decade of life, vascular damage accumulates over more years, multiplying the absolute risk before the age of 50.
The lack of medical follow-up in young people explains the increase in strokes in young people; half of patients under 44 years of age with hypertension are unaware of their diagnosis and therefore do not receive adequate treatment (Richardson et al., 2024).
Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome
The prevalence of obesity has doubled in adults aged 18-39 since 1999. Visceral adiposity promotes inflammation, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance, a triad that accelerates cerebral atherosclerosis.
The GBD2021 attributes an 88% increase in disability-adjusted life years to a high body mass index. The metabolic epidemic directly impacts the causes of stroke in young people.
Smoking and Substance Use
Although the overall smoking rate is declining, vaping and electronic devices reintroduce nicotine at early ages. Chronic exposure damages the arterial intima and enhances blood clot formation.
Furthermore, recreational use of cocaine, amphetamines, and synthetic cannabis acts as a trigger for vasculitis and hypertensive crises, direct drivers of hemorrhagic stroke in young adults.
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