Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Different Strokes for Different Folks

Having a stroke is no longer a disease of just our parents & grandparents.  Strokes are now occurring at a higher frequency in our youth & middle-aged over the past 10 years as reported at the American Stroke Association's annual meeting this week. 

While the overall risk is still low at 14.8 per every 10,000 hospitalizations among men 15-34yo during 2006-2007, that's still a significant 51% increase compared to just 9.8 back in 1994-1995.  Amongst men 35-44yo, the rate increased by 47% from 36 to 52.9 per 10,000 hospitalizations.  

For comparison's sake, the incidence of strokes dropped by 25% from 404 down to 303 per 10,000 hospitalizations amongst men 65yo & older during this same period of time.  Similar trends were noted amongst women in like age groups.

Is the glass half full or half empty?  Yes!  Compared to our parents & grandparents, the risk of stroke is just 1/20th in our youth & middle-aged but the fact that we're increasing while they're decreasing doesn't portend good things for us and our children. 

Remember the ASA guidelines to prevent your first strokeI reviewed them 2 months ago.  How many of you have made even one change as suggested?  Just last week, I reviewed the European version of how to prevent your first stroke.  Anyone change their lifestyle as suggested?

Don't allow yourself to become a statistic.  Do something to avoid having a stroke.

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