Stroke is becoming more common among younger adults. What experts want them to know

Key Points:

• A new study published in Neurology reveals that stroke rates among young adults aged 20 to 54 have nearly doubled from 33.9 to 62.2 cases per 100,000 people between 1993 and 2020, with ischemic strokes being the primary driver of this increase.
• The study highlights rising stroke risk factors in young adults, including hypertension, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, and substance use (notably marijuana), though these factors alone do not fully explain the trend.
• Experts emphasize the importance of early cardiovascular health intervention, recommending lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, physical activity, avoiding tobacco, quality sleep, and regular medical screenings to reduce stroke risk.
• The research underscores that strokes in younger adults, while still relatively rare, are a growing public health concern, particularly for young women who should monitor blood pressure during pregnancy and be cautious with birth control if experiencing migraines with visual changes.
• Medical professionals stress the need for increased awareness and investment in understanding stroke risks in younger populations, encouraging annual wellness checks to identify and manage vascular risk factors early.