Stroke Chances Higher Among Young People

Youngsters are at higher risk for the most common type of strokes, a study published in the journal Neurology, reveals.

Around 15 percent of the most common type of strokes occur in adolescents and young adults. The study also found that more number of youngsters were showing risk factors for strokes.

Between 532,000 and 852,000 young adults between ages 18 and 44 in the United States have had a stroke. The U.S. hospital discharges for stroke among persons aged 15 to 44 increased from 23-to-53 percent between  1995-1996 and 2007-2008, depending on age and gender of the group, reported Medical Xpress.

"The impact of strokes in this age group is devastating to the adolescent or young adult, their families and society," neurologist Jose Biller of Loyola University Medical Center and study co-author, said in a consensus statement developed by the American Academy of Neurology.

The studies found that nearly 85 percent of all strokes were ischemic, caused by blockages that stop blood flow to the brain. Risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, abnormal cholesterol levels, congenital heart disease and smoking, were commonly found in the youngsters.

Strokes can have a major impact on the lives of youngsters. While handling the shock of having a stroke, "younger survivors may be dealing with relationships, careers and raising children - issues that require additional awareness and resources," the consensus report said.

The researchers said that schools and colleges should educate children more about strokes and risk factors associated with the disease. Given the increasing physical, emotional and financial burden strokes cause in young people, "there will need to be greater research into reducing this burden," the report said.