All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Is stroke becoming a disease of the young?
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
Doctors are sounding the alarm! The number of strokes among the younger generation is steadily growing. If earlier strokes at a younger age were rare, now it is becoming almost the norm.
Scientists from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine have identified a trend that is a very alarming sign - an increase in the number of young and middle-aged people who have suffered strokes.
Specifically, the researchers found that while stroke patients aged 20 to 54 accounted for nearly 13 percent of all stroke patients in 1993-94, by 2005 their number had risen to 19 percent.
"We suspect that this rise is largely due to poor diet, which is a cause of obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes," said lead researcher Professor Brett Kissela.
A team of specialists led by Professor Kisella found that between 1993 and 2005 the number of strokes among people under 55 years of age almost doubled.
In 1993, in the age group from 20 to 54 years, there were 26 cases of the fatal disease per hundred thousand people, and in 2005, cases of cerebrovascular accidents became more frequent, and their number increased to 48 per hundred thousand people.
“These are very sad statistics, but we have to admit that stroke has become significantly “younger” and has become a global trend that is observed in all countries of the world,” the professor sums up.
However, these processes can, if not stop, then at least protect your health. According to scientists, the risk of developing this deadly disease can significantly reduce a healthy lifestyle. Of course, this is giving up bad habits, smoking and alcohol abuse. Increasing physical activity - even basic morning exercises already delay the threat of developing the disease. And also, which is important, switching to a healthy diet and giving up fatty, spicy and high-calorie foods.
Doctors also advise not to ignore visits to medical institutions and to monitor cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
[