Why 25-Year-Olds Are Having Strokes—And How to Protect Yourself
While most strokes occur in people over 65, they can happen at any age—and recent statistics show alarming increases among younger adults. Unfortunately, people often don’t recognize stroke symptoms in younger individuals because they don’t think it’s possible. Each year, 795,000 Americans suffer a stroke, but it’s both preventable and treatable when caught early.
If you suspect a stroke, remember B.E. F.A.S.T. and call 911 immediately. Conway Medical Center is certified by The DNV GL Healthcare USA, Inc as a Primary Stroke Center, providing specialized 24/7 stroke care when every minute counts.
In this article:
The Alarming Rise in Young Adult Strokes
Recent data reveals a concerning trend: stroke rates are climbing dramatically among younger Americans, reversing years of progress.
The New Reality: According to the CDC’s 2024 analysis, stroke prevalence has increased significantly among working-age adults:
- 6% increase among adults aged 18-44 from 2011-2022
- 7% increase among adults aged 45-64 during the same period
- Overall, 8% increase in stroke prevalence nationwide
Why This Matters: While stroke rates among adults 65 and older remained stable, the dramatic rise in younger populations signals a public health crisis. These aren’t just statistics—they represent thousands of young adults whose lives are forever changed by preventable strokes.
Contributing Factors to Rising Young Adult Strokes:
- Obesity rates have skyrocketed (men: 27.5% to 43%, women: 33.4% to 41.9% from 1999-2018)
- Hypertension prevalence increased from 40.3% to 46.8% among adults 45-64
- The opioid epidemic has contributed to stroke-related hospitalizations
- Increased recognition and diagnosis of previously missed strokes
Conway Medical Center’s Emergency Department has seen this trend firsthand, treating more young adults for stroke symptoms than ever before.
Current Stroke Statistics That May Surprise You
Understanding the scope of stroke in America helps emphasize why prevention and rapid treatment are crucial.
National Stroke Impact:
- 795,000Americans suffer strokes annually
- Stroke is the 5th leading cause of death in the United States
- It’s the 3rd leading cause of death and disability combined globally
- 1 in 4stroke survivors will have another stroke
Age-Related Patterns:
- While most strokes occur after age 65, 15%happen to people under 65
- Young adult stroke rates are rising faster than any other age group
- Black Americans have stroke rates 2-3 times higher than other groups
- Hispanic Americans saw a 1% increase in stroke prevalence recently
Geographic Variations: Recent data shows stroke death rates vary significantly by region:
- Southern states consistently have the highest stroke rates
- South Carolina falls within this high-risk region
- Black women in the South have stroke death rates 2-5 times higher than other groups
Time-Critical Treatment:
- Every minute during a stroke, 1.9 million brain cells die
- Treatment within 3 hours can significantly improve outcomes
- Primary Stroke Centers like Conway Medical Center provide specialized care that saves lives
These statistics underscore why having immediate access to certified stroke care—like that provided at Conway Medical Center—can mean the difference between full recovery and permanent disability.
Risk Factors You Can Control
While age and genetics can’t be changed, many stroke risk factors are entirely within your control.
High Blood Pressure – The Silent Killer:
- Left uncontrolled, hypertension significantly increases long-term stroke risk
- Follow your doctor’s medication recommendations consistently
- Maintain an active lifestyle and eat a heart-healthy diet
- Monitor blood pressure regularly, especially if you have family history
Cholesterol Management:
- High LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and low HDL (“good”) cholesterol increase stroke risk
- Follow prescribed medications and lifestyle modifications
- Regular blood work helps track progress
- Dietary changes can significantly impact cholesterol levels
Smoking Cessation:
- Smoking doubles your risk of stroke death
- The more you smoke, the greater your risk becomes
- Quitting smoking can significantly reduce risk within years
- Seek professional help through smoking cessation programs
Physical Activity:
- Even small amounts of daily physical activity provide benefits
- Check with your doctor about appropriate exercise levels
- Regular movement improves circulation and reduces multiple risk factors
- Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly
Medication Compliance:
- Take prescribed medications exactly as directed
- Atrial fibrillation medications are crucial for stroke prevention
- Don’t stop medications without consulting your doctor
- Keep medication lists updated for emergency situations
Aspirin Therapy:
- Daily aspirin may help lower stroke risk for some people
- Never take aspirin if you think you’re having a stroke
- Discuss aspirin therapy with your doctor before starting
- Benefits must be weighed against bleeding risks
Conway Medical Center’s primary care providers can help assess your individual risk factors and develop personalized prevention strategies.
How to Recognize a Stroke Using B.E. F.A.S.T.
Recognizing stroke symptoms quickly is critical—brain cells die rapidly without blood flow, making immediate treatment essential.
B.E. F.A.S.T. – The Life-Saving Test
B – BALANCE
- Sudden dizziness or loss of balance
- Unexpected coordination problems
- Difficulty walking or standing
E – EYES
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Vision loss or double vision
- Visual field cuts
F – FACE
- Facial weakness or drooping
- Uneven smile
- Numbness on one side of face
A – ARMS
- Sudden weakness in arms or legs
- Inability to raise both arms evenly
- Numbness, especially on one side
S – SPEECH
- Slurred speech or difficulty speaking
- Trouble understanding simple phrases
- Inability to repeat simple sentences
T – TIME
- Call 911 immediately if any symptoms are present
- Note the time symptoms started
- Get to the hospital as quickly as possible
Additional Warning Signs:
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause
- Sudden confusion or trouble understanding
- Sudden weakness or numbness, especially on one side
- Sudden trouble walking or loss of coordination
Critical Time Windows:
- 0-3 hours: from Last Known Well time: Optimal window for clot-busting medications current practice may extend it up to 4.5 hours from last known well
- 0-6 hours: Extended window for some treatments such as Thrombectomy – current practice may extend it up to 24 hours from Last Known Well.
- Every minute counts: Brain tissue dies rapidly without blood flow – Approximately 1.9 million brain cells every minute a stroke goes untreated.
What NOT to Do:
- Don’t wait to see if symptoms improve
- Don’t drive yourself or have someone drive you
- Don’t take aspirin or other medications
- Don’t eat or drink anything
Conway Medical Center’s Emergency Department is equipped with specialized stroke protocols that can begin treatment within minutes of arrival, maximizing the chance for full recovery.
Prevention Strategies for Every Age
Stroke prevention isn’t just for older adults—recent trends show younger people need to take action now.
For Young Adults (18-44):
- Address obesity early through diet and exercise
- Monitor blood pressure regularly, even without symptoms
- Avoid illicit drugs, especially opioids and stimulants
- Limit alcohol consumption to recommended guidelines
- Don’t ignore warning signs thinking you’re “too young”
For Middle-Aged Adults (45-64):
- Aggressive blood pressure control becomes critical
- Regular cholesterol screening and management with a CMC Primary Care provider
- Diabetes prevention through lifestyle modifications
- Smoking cessation if applicable
- Stress management through healthy coping mechanisms
For All Ages:
- Know your family history and share it with healthcare providers
- Maintain regular primary care for risk factor monitoring (Click to find a provider near you)
- Learn B.E. F.A.S.T. and teach it to family members
- Keep emergency contacts and medical information accessible
- Choose stroke-certified hospitals like Conway Medical Center
Lifestyle Modifications:
- Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats
- Regular exercise appropriate for your fitness level
- Adequate sleep(7-9 hours nightly for most adults)
- Stress reduction through meditation, hobbies, or counseling
- Social connections that support mental and physical health
Medical Management:
- Blood pressure control to less than 140/90 (or as directed)
- Cholesterol management through diet and medications
- Diabetes control with target A1C levels
- Atrial fibrillation treatment if present
- Regular health screenings appropriate for your age with a CMC Primary Care provider
Conway Medical Center’s primary care network can help you develop and maintain a comprehensive stroke prevention plan tailored to your individual risk factors and life stage.
Remember: Stroke can happen at any age, but it’s largely preventable. Know the signs, control your risk factors, and choose Conway Medical Center—your certified Primary Stroke Center—when every minute counts.
Why Conway Medical Center for Stroke Care
When stroke strikes, specialized care makes the difference between recovery and permanent disability. Conway Medical Center provides the region’s most advanced stroke treatment.
Multiple Stroke Center Certifications
Conway Medical Center has earned Primary Stroke Center certification from The DNV GL Healthcare USA, Inc., demonstrating excellence across multiple accreditation standards:
- 24/7 stroke team availability with specialized training
- Rapid assessment protocols that begin within minutes
- Advanced imaging capabilities for immediate diagnosis
- Clot-busting medications available around the clock
- Neurological expertise for complex cases
- Quality Management System standards
- Brain Attack Coalition Guidelines for stroke care
- American Stroke Association® Recommendations
Primary Stroke Center designation means:
- Proven outcomes in stroke care quality across multiple evaluation systems
- Standardized protocols ensuring best practices in all aspects of care
- Continuous quality monitoring and improvement through multiple oversight organizations
- Staff expertise validated by rigorous certification requirements
- Faster treatment times saving brain tissue through optimized protocols
American Heart Association Gold Plus Award:
Conway Medical Center has earned the prestigious 2025 Get With The Guidelines Gold Plus recognition for stroke care excellence, demonstrating consistent adherence to evidence-based stroke treatment protocols.
American College of Cardiology Recognition:
Conway Medical Center also holds Chest Pain Center Accreditation, ensuring comprehensive cardiac care that often overlaps with stroke treatment.
Emergency Department Excellence
Specialized Stroke Capabilities:
- 42-bed Emergency Department handling nearly 55,000 annual visits
- Board-certified emergency physicians trained in stroke protocols
- Advanced nursing certifications in stroke and cardiac life support
- Round-the-clock lab and imaging for immediate diagnosis
- Direct access to spets including neurology and cardiology
Advanced Technology:
- CT and MRI imaging available 24/7 for rapid stroke diagnosis
- Telemedicine capabilities connecting to stroke spets
- Real-time monitoring for stroke patients
- Rapid lab results for treatment decisions
Comprehensive Stroke Treatment
Acute Stroke Interventions:
- Thrombolytic (clot-busting) therapy for eligible patients
- Blood pressure management during acute phase
- Neurological monitoring and assessment
- Complications prevention and management
Coordinated Care:
- Seamless spet access when advanced intervention needed
- Rehabilitation planning beginning during acute care with access to CMC Acute Rehabilitation (inpatient program)
- Family education and support services
- Follow-up care coordination with primary providers
Key Takeaways
- Stroke rates among young adults (18-44) have increased 14.6% from 2011-2022, with 15.7% increase among adults 45-64, reversing decades of progress.
- 795,000 Americans suffer strokes annually, with stroke being the 5th leading cause of death and 3rd leading cause of disability nationwide.
- Major controllable risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity—all increasingly common in younger adults.
- E. F.A.S.T. (Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech, Time) helps recognize stroke symptoms when immediate treatment can prevent permanent disability.
- Multiple certifications ensure the highest standards across different quality management systems, providing patients with comprehensive, evidence-based stroke care 24/7.
- Prevention strategies work at every age, from blood pressure control and smoking cessation to regular exercise and stress management.
- Time is brain tissue—every minute during a stroke counts, making immediate access to certified stroke care at Conway Medical Center crucial for optimal outcomes.
All content of this article is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based on any content of this article.
Sources
CDC, “Prevalence of Stroke – United States, 2020-2022,” https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/wr/mm7320a1.htm
Harvard Health, “Stroke rates holding steady for people 65 or older, but increasing among younger people,” https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/stroke-rates-holding-steady-for-people-65-or-older-but-increasing-among-younger-people
STAT News, “Stroke rates rising, especially in working-age adults,” https://www.statnews.com/2024/05/23/stroke-cardiovascular-disease-rising-reversing-gains-cdc/
Conway Medical Center, “Emergency Services,” https://www.conwaymedicalcenter.com/services/emergency-services/
