Warning of stroke increase among young adults
Monday October 31st 2022
The UK may be experiencing a sharp increase in cases of stroke among young adults, linked to obesity and related problems, according to a major new study.
Oxford University researchers found a 67% increase in incidence of stroke amongst adults under the age of 55 – matched by a 15% reduction amongst under 55s.
The findings come from a study of more than 94,000 people in Oxfordshire, reported in the *Journal of the American Medical Association*.
The researchers found the increase among young adults was exceptionally high in those with professional or managerial jobs. The researchers say the concentration of disease amongst those with sedentary occupations might explain why the incidence of stroke but not myocardial infarction increased.
They have also undertaken a multi-country comparison, reported in *JAMA Neurology*, showing similar trends in other high income countries.
Researcher Dr Linxin Li said: Our study shows a worrying rise in young stroke cases across Oxfordshire, reflecting a similar picture across other high-income countries.”
“Establishing the importance of known risk factors in young stroke will help to raise general awareness of the need for better control. We also need better ways of identifying young people at high risk of stroke, as current risk models are based on predictors of stroke in older people.”
Medical Research Foundation chief executive Dr Angela Hind said: “Historically, we’ve thought of stroke as only affecting older adults, but studies like this suggest a growing problem in young adults.”
“Stroke in young adults can have a huge impact, often occurring when they are starting a family or already have young children to look after and have yet to reach the peak of their careers. The economic, social and personal consequences can be devastating. More research needs to be done to increase understanding of the causes of young stroke and the best ways of preventing it. This is why we’re supporting researchers like Dr Li, who are pushing forward the boundaries of knowledge surrounding young stroke.”
Association of Younger vs Older Ages With Changes in Incidence of Stroke and Other Vascular Events, 2002-2018. August 2022
Tags: Fitness | Heart Health | Infancy to Adolescence | UK News
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