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By Anna-Marie Lever Health reporter, BBC News
Strokes are becoming more common at a younger age, with about one in five
victims now below the age of 55, research in the American Academy of Neurology
Journal suggests.
The study followed 1.3 million people in a US region and found 19% of those
experiencing a stroke in 2005 were in this age group, up from 13% in 1993.
This is despite a trend of overall falling rates of the condition.
The Stroke Association said the findings were alarming.
Report author Dr Brett Kissela said: "The reasons for this trend could be a
rise in risk factors such as diabetes, obesity and high cholesterol."
The study looked at all people over the age of 20 in greater Cincinnati and
North Kentucky over three periods in 1993, 1999 and 2005.
UK parallels
As well as a rise in the occurrence of stroke in the under-55s over this time,
from 109 per 100,000 people in 1993 to 176 per 100,000 in 2005, the study also
found the average age of those experiencing the condition fell from 71 years in
1993 to 69 years in 2005.
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A stroke happens in an instant, but its effects can last a lifetime, leaving
many with long-term severe disabilities
Dr Clare Walton Stroke Association
Those in the oldest age groups saw a decline in the rate over the same period.
Similarly, in the UK there has been a 40% reduction in the number of people
having major strokes over the past 20 years.
The decline in numbers is partly due to improvements in prevention, combined
with an increase in healthy living public awareness.
This US study suggests a shift in the age of those experiencing stroke, from
the old to the young, although experts say the findings need to be treated with
caution.
Dr David Werring, a neurologist from University College London, said: "Stroke
is usually considered a disease of older people, but this study reminds us that
young people are also affected.
"It is possible that changes in how stroke is detected during the study could
explain some of the increase.
"The proportion having a detailed brain scan by magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI), which is the most sensitive test for detecting stroke damage in the
brain, increased from 18% to 58%, which might have increased the rate of
accurate diagnosis - particularly in younger people who may have been more
likely to have these scans.
Greater burden
"Nevertheless, if these results are true, and turn out to be generalisable to
other populations, they could be very important because stroke in younger
people can cause more lifetime disability."
Stroke Symptoms
The face can drop on one side - unable to smile or eye might droop
Unable to lift one or both arms
Slurred or garbled speech
Source: NHS choices
Experts suggest that similar lifestyles between the US and UK mean the two
countries may experience parallel trends - and they warn of a major future
public health challenge.
Dr Clare Walton, from the Stroke Association, said: "A stroke happens in an
instant, but its effects can last a lifetime, leaving many with long-term
severe disabilities.
"With the number of younger people having strokes increasing, greater strain
will be placed on health services to support them with their recovery.
"This problem needs to be addressed now. In many cases, a stroke can be
prevented and everyone can reduce their risk by making a few simple healthy
lifestyle changes.
" For example, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly and getting your
blood pressure checked can all make a huge difference."