Still young, have had a stroke, what is the cause? & bull; hello healthy

Did you know that a stroke can also affect someone who is young? In 2010, a study published in the journal Stroke , found that between 1988 and 2004, brain attacks tripled in women aged 35 to 54. Even in the mid 1990s to early 2000s, research published in Neurology shows an increase in stroke of about 54 percent in adults aged 20 to 45 years. We may think that a stroke will not strike someone who is young. This myth is now debunked.

The number of people affected by strokes has indeed decreased, but the number of people who have had strokes at a young age has actually increased. Research published in the journal Neroulogy shows that in 1999 and 2005 in Cincinnati, there was a decrease in stroke in people aged 71 to 69 years. However, there was an increase of 13 to 19 percent in people aged 20 to 54. Although this is disputed by Andrew Russman, DO, a neurologist and stroke care specialist at the Cleveland Clinic. He said, indeed some studies have shown an increase in strokes at a young age, but the evidence is lacking. The overall incidence of stroke has decreased, perhaps due to education to better recognize stroke at a young age.

There are still differences of opinion between one party and another. But statistics in America show strokes that occur at the age of under 45 affect about 7 to 15 people per 100,000.

How can a stroke occur at a young age?

According to S. Ausim Azizi, MD, chair of the Neurology department and lecturer of neurology at Temple University Medical School in Philadelphia, "Compared to stroke in the elderly, stroke at a young age is a different disease." Infection, trauma, heart problems, dehydration, sickle cell disease can be the most common cause of stroke at a young age.

Decrease in intake or supply blood to the brain resulting in a stroke. Isemic stroke is usually the cause that often occurs, namely because of a blood clot in the heart or blood vessels. Another cause is surgery for blood vessels in the neck, where the clot is caused by a small tear in a large blood vessel and blood is sent to the brain. Migraines, birth control pills, pregnancy, and smoking have also been identified as causes of stroke at a young age. According to researchers from France, hormonal changes that occur at a young age, especially the hormones that make a person tall, can increase the risk two to five times.

The Collaborative Group for the Study of Stroke in Young Women suggests that birth control pills can increase the risk if taken by women who have high blood pressure or migraines, especially if the woman is a heavy smoker. This is because the contraceptive pill alters platelet aggregation, thereby increasing antithrombin III activity, resulting in clotting at a certain level. Pregnancy is also able to increase about 13 times the risk of ischemic stroke in women.

Cardiogenic can also be a trigger. Cardiogenic include heart disease, heart valve abnormalities, patent foramen ovale - This is the hole in the heart on the right and left. Even obesity and alcoholism can cause heart problems that can lead to stroke. Amphetamine-type drugs, including cocaine, meth, marijuana are also things that need to be avoided.

Recognizable stroke symptoms

There are several symptoms that can be noticed, to make it easier it is usually referred to as "FAST“:

F: Face (face), the way is by lowering your face, try to smile. If you can't lift both sides of your mouth, then something is probably wrong.

A: Arm (arm), try to raise the arm. If one of your hands falls limply downward, then you need to be vigilant.

S: Speech (talk), try to speak, say easy sentences. If there is any abnormality in the pronunciation of the word, such as a sudden slurred, then you should immediately analyze for other symptoms.

T: Time (time), if you experience all the symptoms, then don't waste any more time, go to the doctor immediately!

How to prevent stroke at a young age?

Being overweight is one of the causes that must be avoided, because being overweight can lead to high cholesterol, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Indeed, the disease can also be passed down through genes. However, by eating unhealthy foods, you will double your risk. There are several other ways, such as:

• Regular exercise for the health of your body and maintain a stable weight. Exercise is also able to burn fat and calories, so there is no blockage of the blood vessels due to the accumulated saturated fat.
• A diet eating low-fat foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Monitor your blood pressure at all times, so you know what to do if it is high. Also check your cholesterol level.
• Avoid smoking, drugs, and alcohol.
• Visit a doctor for further consultation.