Cases of stroke are increasing, especially in young people… and here’s why. | August 8, 2025

Annonce:

Cases of str.oke are increasing, especially in young people… and here’s why.

Neurologists around the world are warning of an increase in strokes in young people. Although stroke has historically been associated with old age, the most recent data show that the trend is changing rapidly and worryingly.

This epidemiological shift requires understanding the new causes of stroke in young people and adapting prevention strategies. Understanding the problem now is key to avoiding a much greater future social and economic burden.

A worrying trend: more strokes among young people

A global analysis published in The Lancet Neurology showed that, from 1990 to 2021, the incidence of stroke in people under 55 years of age increased, while in older people it stagnated. Among young people, the increase was most notable in low- and middle-income countries.

A CDC report revealed that adults between 45 and 64 years of age experienced a 15% increase in the prevalence of stroke between 2011 and 2022; In the 18-44 age group, the increase was 14.6%.

According to the review published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, strokes in those under 50 now represent 10-14% of all strokes in the United States and Europe, with a steady upward trend.

Uncontrolled hypertension explains much of the phenomenon. A cross-sectional study using NHANES data found that 83.7% of hypertensive adults in the US maintain levels above 130/80 mmHg, with those under 45 being the least aware of their condition (Richardson et al., 2024).