Growing numbers of working age adults have been succumbing to stroke this century, campaigners warned today.
The soaring rate of stroke is thought to be linked to obesity and unhealthy lifestyles.
Among men aged between 40 and 54, the number of strokes has increased by nearly half since 2000, according to the Stroke Association.
Last year some 6,221 men of this age needed hospital admission for stroke – compared with 4,260 in 2000, the association warned.
Overall the number of strokes affecting people aged 20 to 64 has increased by 25% since 2000, it reported.
The association says stroke in this age group causes particular problems as survivors may struggle to get back into work.
Association chief executive Jon Barrick said: "There is an alarming increase in the numbers of people having a stroke in working age. This comes at a huge cost, not only to the individual, but also to their families and to health and social care services.
“The simple truth is that we must do more to raise people’s awareness of risk factors, to help prevent them from having a stroke. With many more stroke patients now receiving emergency medical treatment, we also need the right health and social care services available.
"People must have the support they need to make the best possible recovery and avoid having to cope for decades with the disabilities that stroke can bring.”
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