Strokes are becoming more common amongst younger patients, says a new study from researchers at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. For the study researchers reviewed the health records of 1.3 million Americans between the ages of 20 and 54 first from 1993 to 1994, and then from 1999 to 2005.
They found in 1993 the average age of stroke patients was 71. By 2005, however, victims under the age of 55 accounted for one in every five strokes.
Lead researcher Dr. Brett Kissela explained that while younger patients are more likely to survive strokes, it commonly affects their way of life:
"A 40-year-old like myself," says Dr. Kissela, "may be forced to live in a care environment like a nursing home, removed from the work force and not able to participate in family and personal activities."
Peer reviewer Dr. David Werring from the University College London spoke on the study with the BBC saying: "Stroke is usually considered a disease of older people, but this study reminds us that young people are also affected."
The new findings were published this week in the journal Neurology.
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