Overlooking These Signs, Young People Increase Their Risk of Stro.ke

Many young people tend to be dismissive and fail to clearly recognize the typical signs of a stro.ke, even believing that a stro.ke cannot occur at their age.

 

 

According to Associate Professor Dr. Mai Duy Tôn, Director of the Stroke Center at Bach Mai Hospital, young patients account for nearly 10% of all stroke cases at the center. This is an alarming figure that is on the rise. Unfortunately, most patients are admitted late, missing the “golden hour” for recovery.

Why Do Young People Delay Seeking Hospital Care?
The main reason is an overconfident mindset. Young people do not recognize the typical signs of a stroke and assume that the condition only affects older individuals. When they arrive at the hospital late, they lose the opportunity for timely treatment, resulting in serious health consequences and even becoming a burden for their families and society.

Factors That Increase Stroke Risk in Young People
According to Associate Professor Dr. Mai Duy Tôn, the risk factors for stroke in young people include:

• Hypertension (the primary cause): According to the Vietnam Heart Association, 1 in 4 people aged 25–49 suffers from high blood pressure.

• Metabolic disorders: Such as diabetes, obesity, and dyslipidemia.

• Unhealthy habits: Including smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, a sedentary lifestyle, and prolonged stress.

• Genetic factors: Such as vascular abnormalities and blood coagulation disorders, which increase the risk of blockages or ruptures in the brain's blood vessels.

Signs of Stroke
When a stroke occurs, the symptoms appear immediately or within a few hours and include:

• Sudden weakness or numbness in the face, arm, or leg, usually on one side of the body.

• Slurred speech, difficulty speaking, or inability to understand others.

• Sudden loss of vision, especially in one eye.

• A severe headache with no clear cause.

• Dizziness, loss of balance, or inability to control movements voluntarily.

If you notice any of these signs, call emergency services at 115 immediately to get the patient to the hospital in time. Treatment during the “golden hour” can help save lives and reduce severe complications.

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) – A Warning Sign Before a Stroke
About one-third of stroke cases occur after the patient experiences one or more transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). This condition is a temporary interruption of blood flow to the brain, with symptoms including:

• Sudden loss of vision.

• Weakness or numbness on one side of the body for a few minutes.

The danger is that once the symptoms disappear, the patient may become complacent and ignore them. However, these episodes can be early warnings of an actual stroke. If you experience these signs, seek medical attention immediately for proper evaluation and timely treatment.

Strokes are not only affecting older people—they are increasingly occurring in younger individuals. Recognizing early signs and proactively preventing stroke is the best way to protect your own health and that of your loved ones.

How to Prevent Stroke?
Associate Professor Dr. Mai Duy Tôn advises young people to:

• Undergo regular health check-ups: Screen for risk factors and seek early treatment if conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, or dyslipidemia are detected.

• Adopt a healthier lifestyle: Quit smoking, limit alcohol consumption, maintain a balanced diet, and exercise regularly.

• Check your family history: If there is a history of vascular abnormalities or coagulation disorders in your family, consult with a specialist for risk screening.