For years, a stroke was seen as something that mainly affected older adults. But today, more younger adults are experiencing strokes, changing how we think about this life-threatening condition. The numbers tell the story: while stroke rates are going down in older adults, they’re rising in younger adults. Nearly 38% of all strokes now happen to people under 65, up from just 25% in the past.
This growing trend is caused by many factors, but one thing is clear—a stroke can happen to anyone at any age. While we can’t change certain risk factors, like aging—which doubles stroke risk every decade after 55—we can take action to reduce the risks we can control.
Knowledge is power and when it comes to strokes, being aware can save lives. Preventing a stroke starts with understanding your own risks and making a plan for a healthier future. Let’s take action together. Schedule an appointment with your doctor today. Visit us online or call 847-618-4430 to get started.
Recognize Common Stroke Symptoms
A stroke can happen in an instant, and every second counts. Knowing the warning signs can mean the difference between recovery and lifelong disability—or even saving a life. The acronym FAST is an easy yet powerful tool to help you recognize stroke symptoms and take action before it’s too late.
- Face: Does one side of the face droop when the person smiles?
- Arms: Can they raise both arms or does one drift downward?
- Speech: Is their speech slurred or hard to understand?
- Time: If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait. Call 911 (or your local emergency number) right away.
Many younger adults don’t expect to have a stroke, so they may ignore early symptoms. But strokes don’t wait and neither should you. The faster you act, the better the chances of preventing serious damage.
Every Second Counts
A stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is suddenly cut off, preventing brain cells from getting the oxygen they need. Without quick medical help, these cells begin to die. Acting fast can reduce brain damage and improve the chances of a better recovery. Ignoring symptoms or hoping they’ll go away can have serious, lasting effects.
Contributing Factors
The risk of stroke is influenced by many aspects of our lives. At Endeavor Health, we’re here to help you understand how the choices you make today can shape your health tomorrow. Every decision adds up—whether you choose to be:
- Active or sedentary
- A healthy eater or a junk food lover
- A social drinker or a heavy drinker
- A non-smoker or a smoker
Together, these everyday choices have a powerful impact on your stroke risk, either increasing it or helping to reduce it.
Underlying Health Conditions
Some health factors are beyond your control. If you have a family history of conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or if you are carrying extra weight, your risk for stroke may be higher—even as a younger adult. But your genetics doesn’t have to determine your future. By choosing healthier habits, you can change the course of your health. The power to reduce your risk for these conditions and lower your stroke risk is in your hands.
The Impact of Mental Health on Stroke Risk
Mental health awareness has come a long way, and today, it’s easier than ever to have open and honest conversations about it. We encourage you to build strong mental health habits for your overall wellbeing. The benefits go beyond just feeling good. They can actually help lower your risk of having a stroke.
Conditions like anxiety, depression and other mental health issues can increase your chances of having a stroke, but it's a two-way street. A stroke can also trigger or worsen mental health problems. That’s why it’s so important to take care of your mental wellness. With younger adults facing a mental health crisis, it’s crucial to understand that mental health and your risk for stroke are connected.
Healthy Daily Habits
It may sound repetitive, but there’s a reason you hear it so often—it’s true. The best way to reduce your stroke risk is by living a heart-healthy lifestyle. It’s simple, and it works. Here’s how:
- Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.
- Stay active with regular exercise.
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Manage stress and take care of your mental health.
These everyday habits can make a big difference in lowering your risk and protecting your health.
The Importance of Regular Health Check-Ups
Preventing problems is easier than trying to fix them after they’ve occurred. It’s like changing the oil in your car—regular maintenance stops small problems from turning into bigger, expensive ones. The same goes for your health. Regular check-ups help you find and manage things like high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes before they turn into serious issues. This is especially important for younger adults who may not know they have these conditions or may not realize the risks. Catching them early gives you the chance to make changes that can help lower your risk of a stroke in the future.
Smoking and Stroke
Some choices you make can really affect your health and smoking is one of the most damaging. Smoking, along with drinking too much alcohol and using drugs like cocaine or amphetamines, can narrow and damage your blood vessels. This puts you at a much higher risk for stroke—even at a young age. The good news is that by making healthier choices, you can greatly lower your stroke risk and improve your overall wellbeing. Choosing to quit smoking and limit alcohol or drug use is a powerful way to protect your health and live a longer, healthier life.
Social Determinants of Health
The choices we make in life aren’t the only things that shape our health—our social surroundings play a big part, too. Things like not having enough access to healthcare, not knowing what raises the risk of strokes or not being able to get healthy food can make strokes more likely, especially for younger people. Money stress and tough living conditions can also increase your risk. These challenges can make it harder to live a healthy life and, as a result, increase the chance of a stroke. Endeavor Health works locally to offer better education, resources and support so people can make healthier choices. By addressing these issues, we can work together to lower the risk of strokes and build stronger, healthier communities.
Partnering for Your Best Health
At Endeavor Health, we are committed to helping you live your healthiest life. While strokes are often seen as a problem for older adults, younger people can have them, too. By knowing the signs and making smart choices, you can lower your risk. Visit us online or call 847-618-4430 to schedule a consultation and protect your future.
Related Articles
