A sharp increase in the incidence of stroke among young adults has been seen in a new study.
Using data from the Oxford Vascular Study, which includes data from 94,567 people registered with GP practices across Oxfordshire over a 20 year period, the occurrence of stroke was analysed by a team of researchers.
They found that between 2002-2010 and 2010-2018, there was a 67 per cent increase in stroke incidence among younger adults aged under 55, and a 15 per cent decrease among older adults. A similar divergence in incidence was not found for other vascular events, such as heart attacks.
Among young people who had a stroke, there was a significant increase in the proportion who were in more skilled occupations, particularly for professional or managerial jobs. This could suggest a role for work-related stress, low physical activity, and long working hours, each of which were more strongly associated with risk of stroke than heart attack.
The study, funded by the Medical Research Foundation, looked at all types of stroke, such as ischaemic strokes, caused by a blockage of arteries, ‘mini-strokes’ (transient ischaemic attacks) and bleeding in the brain (intracerebral haemorrhage and subarachnoid haemorrhage).
Findings from this new study reflect emerging evidence that young stroke is a growing problem in high-income countries. A separate, linked paper by the same authors – Dr Linxin Li, Dr Cathy Scott and Professor Peter Rothwell from the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neuroscience at the University of Oxford – showed similar divergent trends across other high-income countries in the 21st century, with a fall in incidence at older ages not being seen at younger ages.
The traditional view is that vascular risk factors, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity, play a minor role in young stroke, but recent studies have begun to contradict this view.
Medical Research Foundation Fellow, Dr Linxin Li, said: “Our studies show a worrying rise in young stroke cases both in Oxfordshire and in other high-income countries.
“We need better ways of identifying young people at risk of stroke, as current risk models are designed mainly for use in older people.”
Professor Peter Rothwell said: “We are not yet sure what is driving the increase in incidence of stroke in younger adults, but it is important that doctors don’t dismiss the warning symptoms and that risk factors are treated.”
Dr Angela Hind, chief executive of the Medical Research Foundation, 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.”
