A stroke, caused by blood vessel degeneration leading to blockage or rupture, is increasingly affecting younger people under 55. Why are strokes occurring in younger populations? While strokes remain a leading cause of death and disability, especially among the elderly, the notion that they only affect older adults is outdated.

Is Stroke Exclusive to the Elderly?
Stroke risk increases with age, particularly after 45, and over 70% of cases occur in those over 65. However, as a neurologist, I’ve observed a rise in first-time stroke patients under 50–55 years old. This challenges the assumption that strokes are solely an "elderly disease."

Why Are Strokes Affecting Younger People?
Studies highlight four primary risk factors for strokes in younger adults (ages 18–55):

1. Abdominal Obesity
Abdominal obesity is the top risk factor, linked to 66% of stroke cases. It is measured by Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR):

• Measure waist circumference at the navel (in inches).

• Measure hip circumference at the greater trochanter (hip bone).

• Divide waist by hip measurement.

  • Men: WHR ≥ 0.93

  • Women: WHR ≥ 0.86
    Exceeding these thresholds indicates abdominal obesity.

2. Smoking
56% of stroke patients are smokers. Smoking raises heart rate, blood pressure, and accelerates arterial hardening (atherosclerosis), a key contributor to strokes and heart disease. Quitting smoking reduces stroke risk within the first year.

3. Lack of Regular Exercise
"Just moving" isn’t enough. Ideal exercise involves 30+ minutes per session, 5+ times weekly. However, even 20–30 minutes, 3 times weekly, lowers stroke risk compared to sedentary lifestyles. Physical inactivity correlates with 48% of strokes (50% in women, 47% in men). Walking less than 1 mile (1.6 km or 2,000 steps) daily heightens risk.

4. High Blood Pressure
Hypertension often results from the above three factors and independently raises stroke risk by 47%. Alarmingly, Thai adults aged 30–45 are developing hypertension earlier. Treating high blood pressure benefits all ages:

• Patients over 80 can reduce stroke risk by 30% and mortality by 21%.

• Yet, only ⅓ of hypertensive patients control their condition effectively.

Conclusion
These four factors prove strokes can strike anyone, regardless of age. Do not underestimate this condition as "only for the elderly."