Chris Murphy’s stroke at 53 highlights trend: strokes among younger adults have risen

Stroke rates among younger adults

Stroke incidence among adults ages 20 to 54 rose over the past 30 years. Researchers reported that the rate nearly doubled, from 33.90 cases per 100,000 people in 1993-94 to 62.18 in 2020.

A separate comparison by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention researchers found stroke prevalence increased between 2011-13 and 2020-22. It rose 14.6% among people ages 18 to 44 and 15.7% among those ages 45 to 64.

Risk factors and prevention

Health professionals advise quitting smoking and recreational drug use, eating a balanced diet with colorful fruits and vegetables, and staying active. Managing high blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol can also help reduce risk.

Early checks can help

High blood pressure can significantly raise stroke risk, and some people with hypertension may feel healthy. Dr. Elizabeth Rosen, a neurologist at Tufts Medical Center, discussed that risk with Prevention.

Regular visits with a health care provider can help identify risk factors early, said Dr. Aaron Shoskes, a University of Utah neurologist. He told the university, “Early intervention makes a big difference,” after advising people to work with a clinician to manage their health numbers.