Beware of Stroke at a Young Age, Recognize the Risk Factors for the Disease!

Hello friend Hermina, the risk factors for stroke at a young age have increased, stroke is synonymous with the disease of older people. However, currently there are strokes towards productive age, this can occur as a result of poor lifestyle, high cholesterol, diabetes and uncontrolled high blood pressure.

Risk Factors for Stroke at a Young Age

Risk factors for stroke include hypertension, increased blood sugar levels, increased cholesterol levels, and obesity. At a young age, such as poor lifestyle, irregular eating patterns, consuming lots of sweet foods/drinks, unbalanced nutritional intake, smoking, alcohol consumption, and rarely exercising. However, stroke at a young age has several risk factors that are different from old age. These risk factors include:

• Blood clotting disorders

Several diseases that cause blood clotting disorders, such as antiphospholipid syndrome, sickle cell anemia, lupus, cancer and so on, can increase the risk of blood vessel blockages.

• Heart defects

The presence of heart abnormalities such as heart rhythm disturbances, heart infections, and a leaky heart valve (patent foramen ovale) will increase the risk of obstructed stroke.

• Blood vessel abnormalities

Blood vessel abnormalities such as widened blood vessels (aneurysms) and arteriovenous malformations are the most common causes of bleeding strokes at a young age.

• Migraines

As many as 1/3 of stroke sufferers have a history of migraine-type headaches. The presence of migraines, especially those accompanied by accompanying symptoms such as seeing flashes of light, visual disturbances, tingling and weakness in the limbs can increase the risk of obstructive stroke.

• Pregnancy, postpartum period, and use of hormonal contraceptive drugs

Pregnancy and the postpartum period can increase the risk of obstructive stroke, especially from the third trimester to 6 weeks after delivery. The use of hormonal contraception also increases the risk of obstructive stroke.

• Use of illegal drugs

The use of illegal drugs such as marijuana, opioids and cocaine increases the risk of stroke, both as a direct result of these drugs and as a result of drug use which is injected through a vein or inhaled.

• Genetic/hereditary factors

Several genetic disorders such as Fabry disease, mitochondrial disorders (MELAS), cerebral small vessel disease (CADASIL) and Marfan syndrome carry a risk of obstructive stroke.

If you experience a stroke, you can consult the Hermina Bitung Hospital with a Neurologist, Dr. Erlindah Emawati, SpN