Jthey JBritish singer who became famous throughout the world thanks to songs such as Price Tag and Bang Bang, recalled in an interview with Guardian the serious health problems she faced throughout her life: a diagnosis of heart disease at just 11 years old and the cancer that struck her a few months ago. But the most surprising story concerns a much lesser-known episode: a stroke when he was just 17 years old. An experience that contributes to questioning a commonplace very widespread: the idea that stroke is a pathology reserved exclusively for those over 60. In reality, i cases among young people and they are very young on the rise.
Stroke at a young age: a growing phenomenon
Cerebral stroke remains a more common pathology after i 55-60 years, but it is not exclusive to mature age. Over the years, in fact, medicine has gathered more and more evidence that a significant percentage (between 10 and 15%) of strokes affect adults aged between 18 and 50.
In Italy there is a significant increase in cases in the younger age groups, with thousands of diagnoses annually among those under 45. An increase which, according to the company’s website Veronesi Foundation, is to be attributed in particular to the ever-increasing spread of drugs and alcohol, substances known for their ability to increase the risk of stroke. Which in young adults is associated with a higher rate of mortality and permanent disability.
The role of alcohol and drugs
As for alcohol, according to the Veronesi Foundation, the danger increases in direct proportion to the quantity consumed. Tobacco instead acts as an accelerator of atherosclerosis at a young age, progressively increasing the risk with increasing number of cigarettes smoked. Several scientific studies have also highlighted a correlation between ischemic stroke and the use of cannabis, without excluding the concomitant role of alcohol and tobacco, often associated with the recreational use of marijuana.
Jessie J (Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage – Getty Images)
The evidence is even clearer for cocaine: the risk of stroke is particularly high, especially for those who smoke it in the form of crack. This increase is determined by the sudden increase in blood pressure that can occur immediately after taking it. This is an effect shared by others too stimulant drugs such as methamphetaminesincluding synthetic substances such as ecstasy.
Stroke, symptoms not to be underestimated
The symptoms of a stroke appear suddenly and should never be underestimated. The most frequent signs include the loss of strength or sensation to one side of the body, with difficulty or inability to move an arm or leg. They can then appear the asymmetry of the face (mouth hanging to one side), problems speaking or understanding what is said, sudden confusion.
And again, loss or reduction of vision in one or both eyes, severe dizziness, difficulty walking, and loss of balance or coordination. In some cases, a sudden and unusual strong headache may also appear, often described as the most intense ever experienced. The speed in recognizing these signals and immediately calling for help is crucial: in the case of a stroke, time is equivalent to saved brain tissue.
The importance of prevention
As far as prevention is concerned, there are no shortcuts or “miracle” solutions. According to the Veronesi Foundation, they make the difference daily habits and constant monitoring of the main risk factors. Keep blood pressure under controlo is one of the most important aspects, as is monitoring blood cholesterol and blood sugar levels, especially in the presence of diabetes or a family history of cardiovascular diseases.
Quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, following a balanced diet rich in fruit, vegetables and fiber and low in saturated fats and simple sugars contributes concretely to reducing the risk. It adds to this regular physical activityeven moderate but constant, to improve the health of the cardiovascular system. Finally, the role of medical prevention should not be overlooked: undergoing periodic check-ups and precisely following any therapies prescribed by the doctor can make a substantial difference.