Historically, stroke has primarily affected the older population. However, a notable change in this age trend has occurred in the last ten years, with a rise in the incidence of stroke among young adults. Research indicates that people 45 years of age and under have a 10% to 14% increased risk of stroke, which is a grave health problem.
The conventional risk factors, which account for about half of all stroke cases and include cardiovascular problems like arrhythmias, lipid disorders, obesity, diabetes, smoking, drinking, and physical inactivity, are frequently given a lot of attention. But not much is said about the non-traditional risk factors, which include depression, substance misuse, migraines, sleep apnea (both obstructive and non-obstructive), stress, insomnia, and sleep apnea, which account for 40–50% of stroke occurrences. Furthermore, there is now evidence linking exposure to environmental pollution to an increased risk of stroke. Environmental pollution and non-traditional risk factors, especially stress, are growing causes of stroke in young adults.
How does stress cause a stroke?
Long-term exposure to intense psychological stress can initiate a cascade of events:
disrupting neuroendocrine processes and inducing an increase in stress hormone production in the body.
· Causing several inflammatory responses in the body. · Dismantling the blood vessel lining, resulting in anomalies such calcium buildup in the vessels.
· Inducing platelet activation and aggregation to create an environment conducive to clot formation in the blood vessels.
How does environmental pollution cause a stroke?
Nanoparticles, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, ground-level ozone, and nitrogen dioxide are all present in polluted or ambient air.
· Inflammation, oxidative stress, and lipid modification: Particulate matter in the air can trigger lung inflammation, which can then move throughout the body, impacting the heart and blood vessels.
· Translocation of nanoparticles: Some little particles found in contaminated air have the ability to cross the lungs’ barrier and enter our bloodstream, impacting the blood vessels that nourish our brains.
Autonomic dysfunction: Inhaling these particles or the inflammation they induce in the lungs can impact the neurological system, resulting in modifications to the heart and blood vessels. This raises the possibility of diseases such as atrial fibrillation, which is connected to stroke.
How can one recognize a stroke’s symptoms?
Recognizing the symptoms of a stroke in youth is essential since it facilitates early intervention. Typical symptoms include:
· A sudden sagging of one side of the face or an uneven smile, indicative of facial weakness.
· Abrupt loss of speech or slurred, unintelligible speech.
Problems with balance, coordination, and steadiness of movement.
• Visual abnormalities, such as reduced or blurred vision.
· Weakness in limbs, especially the arms, causing difficulty in moving them.
· Extreme headache pain.