Strokes in Men Have Surged Nearly 25% in Two Decades
Strokes among men have jumped by nearly a quarter over the last two decades. In 2004-05, men made up 52.8% of cases in people under 39. By 2023-2024, that jumped to nearly two-thirds of cases in young people, according to NHS data analysed by the MailOnline.
Research by the NHS also shows that the number of people in their fifties being admitted to hospital following a stroke has risen by 55% in the past 20 years.
As a result, the NHS has launched a major campaign about how to respond to strokes, saying thousands also wait up to 90 minutes from symptoms before calling 999. 'The figures show that strokes are not just a risk for older people,' it said.
Strokes In Young Men: What's Happening?
So, why are younger people, specifically men, at risk?
'Research indicates strokes happen more commonly in men than they do women because they’re more likely to have worse habits when it comes to looking after their health,' Dr James Stevenson, lead physician at Bupa Health Clinics tells Men's Health. 'These habits include heavy smoking or drinking and poor diets.'
The latest stats, from Drinkaware in 2022, show 32% of men drank more than 14 units each week, compared to 15% of women. Men were also more likely to report drinking daily – 8% compared to 5% of women. Government data, also from 2022, shows 14.6% of men and 11.2% of women in the UK reported being current smokers.
Studies have shown that men and women have different attitudes to food intake, too, with a recent YouGov survey finding that women are significantly more likely than men to pay ‘a lot of attention’ to the amount of processed food they eat (35% vs 23%) and their intake of vegetables (32% vs 21%).
'Activities like this can put a strain on the flow of blood to the brain,' says Dr Stevenson. 'However, we don’t yet know for sure why the rates of stroke in younger people are increasing. Some research suggests that younger people with more skilled jobs are at a higher risk of stroke, meaning that there may be a link between higher stress, long hours, low movement or sedentary jobs.'
It's not unusual for young men's days to include a stressful shift at work, followed by an intense gym workout, a quick-but-not-very nutritious dinner and a big boozing session. All of that can contribute to a higher risk of stroke.
However, Dr Stevenson also reassures that, although the rates of strokes are on the up, 'your chance of having a stroke before the age of 55 is still very low.'
How To Reduce Your Risk Of Stroke
There are both genetic and lifestyle elements that contribute to your risk of stroke.
'Research from the British Medical Journal shows that certain DNA combinations can put you at a 35% higher risk of stroke, despite how healthy you are,' says Dr Stevenson. 'It also found that poor lifestyle choices increase your stroke risk by 66%, compared to someone with a healthy lifestyle, regardless of genetic risk.
'Even if you have a genetic predisposition to stroke, having a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce your overall risk of having one.'
According to Dr Stevenson, lifestyle habits that will reduce your risk of stroke might include:
Being active every day to reduce the amount of time spent sat down.
Not smoking.
Limiting the amount of alcohol you drink, ensuring it’s not drank to excess. Don’t exceed more than 14 units per week and make sure alcohol isn’t binged in one day.
Eat a balanced and varied diet, with at least five portions of fruit and vegetables each day. Limit the amount of saturated fat and salt you eat.
Maintain a healthy weight.
If you experience any irregularities in heart rhythm, known as atrial fibrillation, speak to a health professional. Atrial fibrillation can have several causes, including stress and illegal drugs, but doesn't always have symptoms.
Make sure you have your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar checked regularly after the age of 40. Many people don’t know they have high blood pressure or cholesterol, or diabetes until after their first stroke or heart attack.
You can get health tests, including heart rhythm screening, blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar, done via your NHS GP surgery or through private health assessments.
What Symptoms Of Stroke Do You Need To Look Out For?
A stroke happens in a short space of time and symptoms come on suddenly. The signs of a stroke are best remembered with the FAST method.
Face – weakness in face muscles that may come across as drooping. Their mouth or eye may droop. Ask them to smile to check.
Arms – they may lose the ability to lift their arms and hold them there.
Speech – slurring when trying to speak or having trouble remembering the names of common objects.
Time – always ring 999, even if they only have one of the above symptoms so they can get checked over.
Other stroke symptoms can include:
Weakness or inability to move on one side of the body
Visual disturbances or loss of sight in one or both eyes
Confusion
A headache that may come on gradually or suddenly and severely
Vertigo – feeling like things are spinning around
Nausea or vomiting
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