According to a new study published recently in The New England Journal of Medicine, globally, one in four people over age 25 is now at risk for stroke during their lifetime.
The growing burden of stroke on young adults
Surveys mentioned in the study indicate the global burden of stroke has been increasing, and the prevention of stroke may require an improved understanding of the risks among younger persons. As reported, in 2016, the global lifetime risk of stroke from the age of 25 years onward was approximately 25% among both men and women with geographic variations in the lifetime risk of stroke affecting this average.
From the study-
“It is imperative that physicians warn their patients about preventing strokes and other vascular diseases at earlier points in patients’ lives. We found extremely high lifetime risk for stroke, and based on other research we evaluated, it is clear that younger adults need to think about long-term health risks. They can make a real difference by eating healthier diets, exercising regularly, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol.”
An important observation and opinion as reported in a related JAMA article on working with this young stroke population:
The problem with reaching this population of young stroke survivors is there is currently few research or clinical efforts targeted at reaching this young stroke population according to a JAMA opinion article on the Longitudinal Care of Young Adults With Stroke.
More research and innovative targeted interventions are needed to help these young bright minds and provide long term guidance for optimal stroke outcomes as well as assist with late effects of a stroke that often go undiagnosed in this population.
Global, Regional, and Country-Specific Lifetime Risks of Stroke, 1990 and 2016 :December 20, 2018
N Engl J Med 2018; 379:2429-2437
Care to Comment ? Share Your Thoughts!