The rate of strokes among young people has increased, according to a report in The Washington Post.
The study, published on April 10 in the Journal of American Medical Association, looked at the hospitalization rates for young adults who have had a stroke and if associated risk factors have increased among them.
The results showed an increase in hospitalization rates in younger adults, ages 18-44, since 1995. Increases were seen most specifically in men 35 to 44 by 42% and women of the same age group by 30%.
Even though deaths due to strokes have significantly decreased over the last 50 years, strokes were the fifth leading cause of death among all adults in 2013, according to The Washington Post.
The study also took a look at risk factors for strokes. Men and women with at least three of the five most common risk factors - diabetes, hypertension, lipid disorders, obesity and tobacco use - were twice are likely to be hospitalized for acute ischemic strokes.
Researchers believe stroke rates are increasing due to risk factors - like high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity - that have become more prevalent in the population.
