Future stroke risks of young adults need to be addressed, survey says

Nearly 40% engage in healthy behaviors, but one in four uses tobacco products and regularly eats fast food.

By Christine S. Moyer, amednews staff. Posted May 18, 2011.

The president of the American Heart Assn./American Stroke Assn. is encouraging physicians to discuss healthy behaviors with all patients, even young adults who don't consider themselves at risk of stroke.

Nearly 40% of young adults say they at least occasionally partake in healthy behaviors such as being physically active and not smoking. But one in four uses tobacco-related products and regularly eats fast food, according to a survey issued May 2 by the ASA. A poor diet and smoking are among the risk factors for stroke.

"If we are not able to help young adults understand the relevance of their actions now and their risk of stroke tomorrow, then we could be looking at an increase in stroke diagnoses and deaths within the next 10 to 20 years," said Ralph Sacco, MD, president of the American Heart Assn./American Stroke Assn. Dr. Sacco is chair of neurology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the U.S., behind cardiovascular disease and cancer, according to the ASA. Every year about 795,000 Americans have a new or recurrent stroke, and more than 137,000 die.

In December 2010, researchers surveyed 1,235 adults 18 to 44 on their beliefs about health behaviors and risks for stroke. About one in five adults does not think that his or her health behaviors could affect the risk of stroke.

One in three respondents was concerned about cardiovascular disease and myocardial infarction. One in three was not concerned about any cardiovascular diseases or conditions. Only 16% said they are worried about a stroke.

"Younger people think that stroke is a condition of older adults, but it can affect anyone of any age," Dr. Sacco said. "We want all physicians to emphasize ideal health to all of their patients."