Looking out for your health from a young age is essential. But unfortunately, a significant part of our young population lives under the impression that only middle-aged and older people are at risk of medical issues, such as stroke. Indeed, young people have a smaller chance of experiencing a stroke, but you can never say never.
What Does Our Youth Need to Know about Strokes?
Although they may seem impossible for young people, strokes may befall you at any age. The chances of having a stroke do increase with age, but that does not mean you are not prone to them when young. Almost 15% of strokes affect people between 18 and 50. Indeed, 18 may sound like a long way away from strokes. Even 45 is considered a young stroke age by experts and doctors.
Young people who tend to overlook their health’s importance are more prone to experiencing a stroke. Someone living a chaotic life full of harmful habits has a higher chance of going through such a traumatic and, sometimes, lethal event. Although the overall rate of strokes dropped in the last few years, the rate has risen amongst our youth.
Types of Strokes
Different factors can trigger a stroke. It depends on the health conditions someone may have, habits and overall lifestyle.
#1: Clotting Disorders
Some people are unaware of the disorders they may be suffering from. That is why it is vital to have a health test done at least once a year. A few conditions, such as sickle cell disease, can turn deadly if not treated in time. This disorder causes blood clumps to form, turning into clots that can clog a vein and cause a stroke.
#2: Patent Foramen Ovale
Another condition that many people do not know they have is Patent Foramen Ovale or PTO. PTO is a congenital disability consisting of a small opening between the heart’s two upper chambers. A thin membrane gets formed through that tiny opening, which stops blood circulation. Although the risk of stroke in people with PTO is relatively low compared to other stroke causes, the possibility still remains.
#3: Arterial Problems
People with sports-related trauma experience strokes at a higher rate. But this may happen spontaneously as well. These strokes happen when the first layer of a blood vessel, the layer of cells, tears down and lets blood enter the vessel wall and narrow it. If you experience severe headaches, distorted vision, heavy eyelids, a sudden decrease in the sense of taste and pain around the eyes, call 911. These are all symptoms of low blood circulation that can end in a stroke.
#4: A Chaotic Lifestyle
Factors that have nothing to do with disorders or illnesses can also increase the risk of having a stroke. For example, smoking, heavy drinking and substance abuse are the main risk factors in young people. Although these habits are not the only causes of strokes in young people, they are a significant part of the percentage.
Preventing or Reducing Stroke Risks
Fortunately, there are ways to diminish your chances of experiencing a stroke. Having a heart condition may not be something you can control, but there are ways in which you can diminish the damaging outcomes. Risk factors such as high cholesterol, diabetes and high blood pressure appear more frequently amongst young people.
A healthy lifestyle will diminish the chances of having a stroke. For example, limiting the intake of sugary beverages and salt is the first step toward lowering the chances of experiencing a stroke. Also, avoiding cigarettes and alcohol as much as possible will lower your risk of having a stroke.
A Parting Reminder
If you feel your arms weaken, can’t speak normally and can’t feel your face, call for medical help. These are the main symptoms of a stroke, and it’s essential to arrive at the hospital as quickly as possible.
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