Incidence of stroke under age 59 up by 11% says Heart and Stroke Foundation
ALBERTA – More than 5,000 people each year in Alberta suffer a stroke, and according to national figures, an increasing number of them are under the age of 59.
According to the 2017 Stroke Report, age is the most common risk factor for a stroke. However, strokes are rising in younger populations at a higher rate than older ones. In fact, in the last 10 years, there has been an 11-per cent increase in the number of strokes suffered by those under the age of 59.
Kate Chidester, Alberta Health and Research Vice President, says there are a number of risk factors for younger people that they need to be aware of.
“Vascular risk factors for this age group are also on the rise, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, physical inactivity, and most of us are not eating enough fruits and vegetables.”
A stroke occurs when blood stops flowing to any part of the brain. The interruption causes damage to the surrounding brain cells which cannot be repaired or replaced.
Chidester says it’s extremely important for younger people to know what the signs of a stroke are. A simple way is to remember the acronym “F.A.S.T.”
- Face- is it drooping?
- Arms-can you raise both at the same time?
- Slurred speech-can you speak without jumbling words?
- Time-if the above symptoms exist, 9-1-1 needs to be called right away.
Chidester says if someone is taken to the hospital in a timely manner, the likelihood of survival greatly increases.
“Our mortality rates have gone down, even in the last decade…..So we’re having great progress for treating stroke. It’s the time element that’s critical. We have great programs in place here in Alberta.”
In fact, the mortality rate between 2003 and 2015 has gone down from 14.5% to 10.9%.
“We have tremendous stroke research and stroke programs here in Alberta. The funding and advancement of medical research in treatment, technology, it’ just incredible. We also have excellent EMS protocols in place.”
She says funding for medical research is key, as is the work the organization’s volunteers do to raise awareness.
You can see the 2017 Stroke Report here: http://www.heartandstroke.ca/-/media/pdf-files/canada/stroke-report/hsf-stroke-report-2017-en.ashx?la=en&hash=11E6299AD113AB533EC81D172E4C46C120A42D90
