Strokes Rising Among People of Working Age

There is a concerning rise in the number of working-age men and women having strokes. In England in 2014 there were 6,221 hospital admissions for men aged 40-54 - a rise of 1,961 on 14 years earlier, a Stroke Association study shows.

Experts said unhealthy lifestyles were partly to blame for the rise, though the growing population and changes to hospital practice also played a part. Researchers say based on their findings strokes should not be considered as a disease of the old.

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 analyzed national hospital admission data spanning 2000 to 2014. Trends for people in their 40s and early 50s appeared to be getting worse.

In women aged 40-54, there were an extra 1,075 strokes recorded in 2014, compared with 2000.
Experts said growing obesity levels, sedentary lives and unhealthy diets - which raise the risks of dangerous blood clots - all played a part.

They argued strokes among this age group had long-lasting personal and financial impacts on individuals and their families, as well as on the economy.

Recovering patients can find it difficult to return to work and should have more support from employers.
This comes at a huge cost, not only to the individual, but also to their families and to health and social care services. The Stroke Association says that even younger people should be aware of the warning signs such as dizziness, difficulties with speech and changes in the face.

Findings highlight the importance of ensuring your blood pressure and cholesterol are under control, as well as having a health check at the age of 40