Stroke is no longer just a condition affecting older individuals—cases of stroke in younger people are on the rise. What modern habits and lifestyles are contributing to this increase in stroke risk?

Stroke is often perceived as a disease that only affects the elderly. However, the reality is that the number of stroke cases among younger individuals is steadily increasing. Modern lifestyles and seemingly harmless everyday habits can actually be major causes of stroke in younger generations. According to research from Medical News Today, 1 in 7 strokes occurs in people aged 15-49. Unhealthy lifestyles play a significant role in this, with habits such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and poor eating habits greatly contributing to the increased risk of stroke.

1. Smoking and Alcohol Consumption
   Smoking is one of the leading risk factors for stroke. The harmful substances in cigarettes can damage blood vessels and raise blood pressure, which are major contributors to stroke. Excessive alcohol consumption also raises the risk of hypertension and heart damage, further increasing the chances of a stroke.
   
   
2. Poor Eating Habits
   Food that contains high in saturated fats and sugar can lead to obesity, hypertension, and diabetes—all major risk factors for stroke. Additionally, a lack of fruits, vegetables, and fiber in one's diet also increases the risk. Therefore, adopting a balanced diet is essential for prevention.
   
   
3. Lack of Physical Activity
   Lack of Physical Activity is a significant issue among the younger population. This habit can lead to obesity, which is a major risk factor for stroke. Additionally, a lack of physical activity can reduce insulin sensitivity, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes, which in turn raises the chances of stroke.
   
   
4. Stress and High Blood Pressure
   Chronic stress can trigger an increase in blood pressure, which is a primary cause of stroke. During times of stress, the body releases hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, which can elevate blood pressure and damage blood vessels over time.
   
   
5. Sleep Deprivation and Irregular Sleep Patterns
   Poor sleep patterns are another often-overlooked cause of stroke. Many young people are accustomed to staying up late due to work, gaming, or social media. Lack of sleep can lead to increased blood pressure, body inflammation, and metabolic disturbances related to obesity and diabetes, all of which heighten the risk of stroke.
   
   
6. Excessive Air Pollution Exposure
   Air pollution not only affects the lungs but can also increase the risk of stroke. Pollutants like PM2.5 can enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation in the blood vessels. People living in areas with high air pollution are at a greater risk of stroke compared to those in cleaner environments.

Stroke in younger people is different from that in older adults. Common causes of stroke in younger individuals include infections, trauma, heart disorders, dehydration, and sickle cell disease.

Stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted. Ischemic stroke, often caused by blood clots in the heart or blood vessels, is the most common type. Additionally, small tears in blood vessels in the neck, leading to blood clotting, can also result in stroke. Other factors that contribute to stroke in younger people include migraines, contraceptive use, pregnancy, and smoking. Research from France shows that hormonal changes in younger people, particularly hormones that affect growth, can increase the risk of stroke by up to five times.

The Collaborative Group for the Study of Stroke in Young Women found that contraceptive pills increase the risk of stroke in women with high blood pressure or migraines, especially if they are also heavy smokers. This is due to the fact that contraceptive pills can alter platelet aggregation, increase antithrombin III activity, and trigger blood clotting. Furthermore, pregnancy can increase the risk of ischemic stroke in women by up to 13 times.

Cardiogenic factors, such as heart conditions, valve abnormalities, and medical conditions like patent foramen ovale (a hole in the heart), can also trigger a stroke. Obesity and alcohol addiction can damage the heart, further increasing the risk of stroke. The use of drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamines, amphetamines, and even marijuana should be avoided, as they can significantly increase the likelihood of stroke in young people.

In addition to lifestyle factors, certain genetic factors and medical conditions can also increase the risk of stroke. Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition that makes them more vulnerable to blood clots or blood vessel abnormalities, which can contribute to stroke.

1. Medical Conditions That Increase Stroke Risk
   Conditions such as congenital heart defects, blood clotting disorders, or autoimmune diseases can increase an individual's risk of stroke. Regular health check-ups and consultation with a doctor are highly recommended for those with a family history of certain medical conditions.
   
   
2. The Use of Illegal Drugs and Addictive Substances
   The use of illegal drugs such as cocaine and amphetamines can lead to stroke. These substances can cause sudden spikes in blood pressure and damage brain blood vessels, ultimately leading to a stroke.
   
   
3. The Impact of Anabolic Steroids
   Anabolic steroids, often used to enhance physical performance, can also increase the risk of stroke. Steroids can raise blood pressure and alter the structure of blood vessels, increasing the likelihood of stroke. The use of these substances without medical supervision is highly dangerous.
   
   
4. Hormonal Contraceptive Use and Stroke Risk
   Hormonal contraceptives, especially those containing estrogen, are linked to an increased risk of stroke. Women taking contraceptive pills with high estrogen levels have a higher risk of developing blood clots, which can lead to stroke. This risk is further amplified if the woman also has other risk factors like hypertension, obesity, or smoking.

There are several myths about stroke that need to be clarified:

1. Myth: Stroke Only Affects the Elderly
    Many young people feel immune to the risk of stroke, but the truth is that stroke can affect anyone, especially if risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, or an unhealthy lifestyle are present.

2. Myth: Stroke Cannot Be Prevented
    Many stroke risk factors can be controlled through lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, and exercising regularly.

3. Myth: Stroke Only Occurs in People with Heart Disease
    While heart disease does increase the risk of stroke, even healthy individuals can experience a stroke if they are exposed to other risk factors.

4. Myth: Stroke Doesn't Require Immediate Medical Attention
    Stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Treatment within the first 4.5 hours can reduce the risk of disability or death.

5. Myth: Stroke Symptoms Disappear, So There's No Need to See a Doctor
    Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) is a temporary stroke symptom that requires immediate medical attention to prevent more severe stroke.

Many people fail to recognize the early signs of stroke, particularly when it occurs in young individuals, as they often assume it is a condition that affects only older people. Symptoms such as numbness or weakness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking, vision disturbances, dizziness, or loss of balance should never be ignored.

This lack of awareness leads to many cases of stroke going untreated, which is critical since prompt treatment is key to reducing permanent brain damage. Therefore, prevention should start early, including:

• Avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption
• Eating a healthy diet, high in fiber and low in saturated fats
• Engaging in regular physical activity and avoiding a sedentary lifestyle
• Managing stress through activities like meditation or hobbies
• Ensuring sufficient and regular sleep
• Avoiding the use of illegal drugs and addictive substances
• Consulting with a doctor about hormonal contraceptive use

Stroke recovery and rehabilitation are closely linked and essential to minimizing long-term damage. The initial treatment of stroke depends on the type and location of the clot, blockage, or bleeding. As stroke is an emergency, doctors will immediately administer appropriate treatment, such as blood thinners, to minimize brain cell damage that can occur within minutes.

Once the patient is medically stable, rehabilitation can begin within 24 to 48 hours. Rehabilitation aims to restore lost functional abilities, including mobility exercises, walking training, and therapies for daily activities and swallowing, to support optimal recovery.

With proper preventive measures, we can all reduce the risk of stroke and ensure a better quality of life in the future. Don’t wait until it’s too late—start living a healthy lifestyle now. However, if you or a loved one requires treatment or consultation regarding the causes of stroke and treatment, some of the best hospitals within the IHH Healthcare Malaysia network are ready to offer advanced medical services with state-of-the-art facilities. Contact us now for more information and expert consultations. Don’t delay in getting the right care!