According to the World Stroke Organization, about 15% of strokes occur in people under the age of 50. This raises the question of what risk factors are strongly affecting this age group. The world's leading medical experts have identified four main groups of factors that increase the risk of stroke in young people: unhealthy lifestyle, prolonged stress, underlying medical conditions and genetic factors, along with harmful habits.
A report from the American Heart Association (AHA) shows that a sedentary lifestyle and poor diet are the leading factors that increase the risk of stroke in young people. Diets high in saturated fat, sugar, and salt increase the risk of atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, and obesity - direct risk factors that lead to stroke.
According to Dr. Walter Koroshetz, Director of the US National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), young people today consume too many processed foods and sugary drinks, which not only increases the risk of cardiovascular disease but also directly contributes to stroke cases.
Furthermore, lack of physical activity increases the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes, two important risk factors for stroke. A study from the University of Cambridge found that people under 40 who lead a sedentary lifestyle are twice as likely to have a stroke as those who exercise regularly.
Chronic psychological stress is also a very important potential risk factor. Young people often face pressure from work, study, finances, and personal life, leading to chronic stress. This increases the level of cortisol in the body, negatively affecting blood pressure, increasing the risk of blood clots.
"Chronic stress increases the risk of atherosclerosis and vascular damage, especially in young people where self-protective mechanisms are not yet optimized," said Dr. Richard Libman, chief of neurology at Long Island Hospital.
In addition, sleep disorders - a consequence of stress - are also important factors. Research from Harvard University shows that lack of sleep increases the risk of high blood pressure and heart rhythm disorders, two major causes of stroke.
Many young people have strokes due to underlying medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, lipid disorders, or clotting disorders. These conditions may go undetected or poorly controlled in young people, leading to serious consequences.
Dr Joanna Wardlaw, a neurologist at the University of Edinburgh, said: "About 30% of strokes in young people are related to underlying conditions that are not properly diagnosed or treated."
Genetic factors also play an important role. If someone in the family has had a stroke or cardiovascular disease, the risk of stroke in young people will increase significantly.
