Stroke Is Now More Likely To Hit Working People In Their Forties

The Stroke Association, a leading U.K. charity, warns that there has been a worrying rise in the number of working-age men and women having strokes. Experts from the Association say unhealthy lifestyles are partly to blame for the rise, though the growing population and changes to hospital practice also play a part. Researchers say based on their findings, strokes should not be considered as a disease of the old; as the figures clearly show, it can happen to anyone at any time. The Stroke Association released this insightful study during, Action on Stroke Month, which takes place in May, and is the organisation’s annual awareness raising month.

Strokes are caused by blood clots or bleeds to the brain and can lead to long-lasting disability. The majority occur in people aged over 65, and though rates are decreasing in this group, this report suggests growing numbers of younger people are at risk. Experts analysed national hospital admission data spanning 2000 to 2014 and showed trends for people in their 40s and early 50s appeared to be getting worse. In England in 2014 there were 6,221 hospital admissions for men aged 40-54, a rise of 1,961 on 14 years earlier. In women aged 40-54, there were an extra 1,075 strokes recorded in 2014, compared with 2000. This study provides a snapshot of how stroke rates are changing, yet no study could account for all the factors that could be responsible.

To continue reading, click here

​Photo Credit: The Stroke Association

Sangeeta Haindl writes on women and children; social innovation; social enterprise and social entrepreneurs. She is the owner of Serendipity PR, in London, U.K., where she works with high-profile brands and organizations in the public, non-profit, and corporate sectors, winning awards for her work from the communications industry. She describes herself as a Spiritual Entrepreneur, Conscious Explorer, and Futurist. She enjoys helping others, paying it forward, and being a mum.