Stroke symptoms, causes and prevention in young adults: Early warning signs you should never ignore, how to cut your risk

Stroke isn’t just a concern for older people. Young adults face risks too. Study says simple lifestyle changes can help lower your stroke risk, no matter your age or health status ( Image: Canva)

Do you often brush off high blood pressure or being a bit overweight, thinking it’s something to worry about later in life? you shouldn’t. With several cases coming up every day, including those involving celebrities, it’s becoming clear that strokes aren’t just an issue for older people anymore.

More young adults are facing this serious health threat, often without even realising the risks. Also, many people underestimate the risk of stroke in their younger years. However, unhealthy habits like sitting too much, eating processed foods, or skipping workouts can quietly build up vascular risks without obvious warning signs. And sadly, strokes can cause long-term disabilities or even death, no matter how old you are.

According to a recent study published in The Lancet, stroke risks now show worrying trends across different age groups. The large-scale INTERSTROKE study involved over 26,000 participants from 32 countries and looked at common risk factors for first-time strokes. It found that high blood pressure, physical inactivity, and high waist-to-hip ratio were the leading contributors to stroke across all ages. However, the way these risks affected stroke odds varied by age, particularly with younger adults now facing greater threats from certain factors like obesity and inactivity.

• Keep your blood pressure in check: High blood pressure remains the biggest stroke risk for all age groups. Monitor your readings regularly, reduce salt intake, and manage stress to avoid dangerous spikes.

• Move your body more: Physical inactivity was linked to strokes in all age groups, but especially among middle-aged adults. Aim for at least 30 minutes of activity most days, be it walking, swimming, jogging or dancing.

• Watch your waistline: A high waist-to-hip ratio signals hidden fat around your organs, raising stroke risk, particularly in younger adults. Focus on whole foods, limit sugary snacks, and stay active to trim your waistline.

• Cut down on alcohol: Although younger adults tend to drink more socially, the study found alcohol’s stroke risk decreased with age. Stick to moderate limits, no more than one or two drinks a day.

• Ease your stress levels: Stress isn’t just bad for your mind, it can raise stroke risk too, particularly in younger and middle-aged groups. Try breathing exercises, hobbies, or talking with friends to unwind.

• Don’t ignore warning signs: Sudden weakness, slurred speech, or vision changes may signal a stroke. Seek immediate medical help, even if you feel fine afterwards, it could save your life or prevent long-term damage.