Common age for stroke
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Common Age for Stroke: Trends and Insights
Introduction to Stroke Age Trends
Stroke has traditionally been considered a condition predominantly affecting older adults. However, recent studies indicate a shift towards younger age groups experiencing strokes, which has significant public health implications.
Decreasing Average Age of Stroke Onset
Trends in Stroke Incidence
Research from the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky region shows a notable decrease in the average age of stroke onset. The mean age at stroke decreased from 71.2 years in 1993/1994 to 69.2 years in 2005, with a significant increase in the proportion of strokes occurring in individuals under 55 years, rising from 12.9% to 18.6% during the same period . This trend is corroborated by other studies indicating a rise in stroke incidence among younger adults, particularly those aged 20-54 .
Risk Factors in Younger Adults
The increase in stroke incidence among younger adults is attributed to several modifiable risk factors. Key risk factors include hypertension, smoking, binge drinking, obesity, and psychosocial stress . These factors are increasingly prevalent in younger populations, contributing to the rising incidence of stroke in these age groups.
Stroke in Very Young Adults
Incidence and Risk Factors
Studies focusing on individuals under 45 years of age reveal that stroke, while less common in this demographic, is not rare. The incidence rates for stroke in young adults range between 8.63 and 21.02 per 100,000 individuals. Common risk factors for stroke in this age group include cardiac causes, arterial dissection, and lifestyle factors such as smoking and alcohol consumption .
Gender Differences
Gender differences are also observed in stroke incidence among younger adults. Females are more predominant among those under 30, while males show a higher incidence around the age of 44. This gender disparity highlights the need for targeted prevention strategies.
Stroke in Older Adults
Risk Profile and Stroke Subtypes
In contrast, older adults, particularly those over 80 years, exhibit different risk profiles and stroke subtypes. Hypertension and atrial fibrillation are more common in this age group, with lacunar stroke being the most frequent subtype. The incidence of stroke in older adults remains high, with significant implications for healthcare systems due to the increased need for hospitalization and higher mortality rates.
Diverging Trends in Stroke Incidence
Age-Specific Divergence
A systematic review and meta-analysis reveal diverging trends in stroke incidence between younger and older populations. While overall stroke incidence is falling in high-income countries, the incidence among younger individuals is rising. This divergence underscores the need for better understanding and prevention of stroke in younger age groups.
Conclusion
The common age for stroke is shifting, with a notable increase in incidence among younger adults. This trend is driven by modifiable risk factors such as hypertension, smoking, and obesity. Addressing these risk factors through targeted prevention strategies is crucial to mitigate the rising burden of stroke in younger populations. Understanding these trends and implementing effective public health measures can help reduce the lifetime burden of disability associated with stroke.
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