Stroke has been traditionally viewed as a health concern for middle-aged individuals, but recent research reveals that individuals younger than 55 face an increasing risk of stroke as well. These findings emphasize the importance of younger adults paying attention to their overall health and making appropriate lifestyle changes to reduce their risk of stroke and other health problems.
Dive Into the Research
Researchers explored the medical data of 1.3 million adults in America, focusing specifically on the number of individuals aged between 20 and 54 who suffered from strokes between 1993-1994 and 1999-2005. The findings showed that the average stroke age dropped from 71 to 69 between those periods. Furthermore, it was found that 13 percent of the stroke sufferers were in the 20 to 54 age bracket during 1993 and 1994. However, that number escalated to 19 percent by 2005.
These figures suggest that the heart health of Americans is on a downward trend. Dr. Brett Kissela, a professor of neurology at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine in Ohio and the study’s author, notes, “The reasons for this trend could be a rise in risk factors such as diabetes, obesity, and high cholesterol.” He continues by expressing his concerns for public health with such a rising trend.
As the fourth leading cause of death for Americans, strokes are a serious matter. Out of the 795,000 Americans who suffered a stroke in 2012, approximately 137,000 lost their lives. The encouraging news is that making lifestyle changes can greatly reduce the risk of stroke.
Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Stroke Risk
Dr. Kissela advises that “some of the possible contributing factors to these strokes can be modified with lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise.” He also emphasizes that younger adults should visit their doctor regularly to monitor their overall health and reduce their risk of stroke and heart disease.
To reduce the risk of stroke, consider implementing the following changes into your daily routines:
- Quit Smoking: Smoking is a significant risk factor for stroke. Quitting this habit can greatly reduce your risk of stroke and improve your overall health. You can consult your doctor for resources and support to help you quit smoking. The American Stroke Association also has helpful information on quitting smoking.
-
Maintain A Healthy Diet: A moderate diet that is low in saturated fats, cholesterol, and salt, and high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help maintain a healthy weight and reduce your risk of stroke. The American Heart Association’s Dietary Guidelines provide helpful guidance on improving your diet.
-
Get Regular Exercise: Engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic exercise per week can help maintain a healthy weight, reduce cholesterol, and lower blood pressure. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offer helpful guidelines on exercise for adults.
-
Control Blood Pressure: High blood pressure is a leading risk factor for stroke. Monitoring your blood pressure regularly and discussing it with your doctor is essential for maintaining a healthy level and reducing the risk of stroke. Lifestyle changes such as exercising, reducing salt intake, and managing stress can positively impact your blood pressure.
-
Manage Stress: High stress levels can increase blood pressure, which in turn raises the risk of stroke. Consider including stress reduction techniques in your daily routine, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga.
Younger Adults Need to Take Action
The concerning rise in stroke incidence among younger adults highlights the need for them to take their health seriously. Regular doctor visits for overall health monitoring, coupled with significant lifestyle changes, can make a huge difference in reducing the risk of stroke and other health issues. The responsibility of ensuring a healthier future lies in the hands of individuals today, by making necessary changes to lead a healthier, stroke-free life.
