Be alert: 4 causes of stroke at a young age

Stroke is a functional brain disorder that occurs suddenly with clinical signs and symptoms that last more than 24 hours. A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted or reduced, which, if we look at the causes, can be divided into two categories: a blockage called ischemic stroke and a rupture of blood vessels called hemorrhagic stroke.

We usually think that strokes only attack old people. It turns out that nowadays more and more people of productive age, even children and teenagers, are experiencing strokes.

Stroke can be caused by various factors, including risk factors passed down in the family, such as hypertension or an unhealthy lifestyle. Here are some causes of stroke at a young age that you need to know:

1. Hypertension

Increased blood pressure is one of the causes of stroke. High blood pressure can cause brittle blood vessel walls, which can lead to blood vessel rupture.

2. Head injury

A hard enough blow to the head can form blood clots in the head. This condition can cause brain concussions and disrupt the immune system and blood cells, which can lead to stroke.

3. Sickle Cell Anemia

Sickle cell anemia originates from a genetic disorder at birth, with the red blood cells being shaped like a crescent moon. This condition causes the blood vessels to lose their supply of healthy blood and oxygen to flow throughout the body. Blood and oxygen supplies that are not delivered properly, especially to the head, can cause strokes.

4. High cholesterol

An increase in bad cholesterol (low density lipoprotein/LDL) in the blood can cause plaque to build up in the brain's blood vessels, which can cause atherosclerosis (blockage or narrowing of the blood vessels). This condition requires immediate treatment because it can cause strokes or other diseases.

Stroke triggers in old age can be different from young people. What are the factors that can cause stroke at a young age?

1. Unhealthy Lifestyle

Unhealthy lifestyles such as smoking, consuming alcohol, and using illegal drugs, apart from damaging health and lowering the immune system, can also trigger the characteristics of stroke at a young age. In addition, an unhealthy lifestyle at a young age can lead to decreased health and quality of life later in life.

2. Heart Disease

If you previously had a history of heart disease, your body will be more susceptible to stroke. Heart disease such as coronary heart disease, rheumatic heart disease, or heart defects can increase the risk of having a stroke.

3. Blood Clotting Disorders

Hemophilia, or a congenital disorder that can make it difficult for blood to clot, is an example of a blood clotting disorder that may occur. This condition causes a person to bleed easily. If it occurs in the brain, the person can experience a hemorrhagic stroke.

Preventing strokes is an important step that can be taken to avoid experiencing them both at a young and old age. Some things you can do include living a healthy lifestyle, exercising regularly, and checking your health regularly by doing medical check-ups. Don't hesitate to consult with the nearest RSU Hermina doctors to obtain a proper diagnosis and medical treatment.