Experts have raised the alarm about a dramatic increase in strokes among millennial men, blaming the trend on junk food diets and increased excessive alcohol consumption, as well as stressful modern lives.
A MailOnline analysis of NHS data has revealed that strokes among men under the age of 39 have increased by almost a quarter in the last two decades.
In comparison, life-threatening attacks on women of the same age have increased by only one percent.
In 2004-2005, men under the age of 39 accounted for 52.8 percent of cases, compared to 47.2 percent for women of the same age.
By 2023-24, this gap had widened further: men accounted for almost two-thirds of all cases, while the proportion of women fell to 42.3 percent.
It comes weeks after NHS health chiefs warned of a worrying rise in strokes among under-50s.
The number of people aged 50 to 59 suffering from the potentially fatal disease has increased by 55 percent in the last 20 years, official data shows.
Strokes affect more than 100,000 Britons a year (one every five minutes) and claim 38,000 lives.
Lewis Clasby suffered a stroke when he was 20, despite feeling in the best shape of his life.
This makes it the fourth leading cause of death in the UK and a leading cause of disability.
The problem occurs when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, which kills brain cells. The damage can lead to long-term disability and affect the way people think and feel.
The most common cause is fatty deposits or a blood clot that blocks the arteries that supply the brain, known as an ischemic stroke.
This happens due to cardiovascular disease, when blood vessels become narrowed or blocked over time by plaques.
They are composed of cholesterol, calcium and other substances that accumulate on the walls of the arteries in a process known as atherosclerosis.
The other, called a hemorrhagic stroke, occurs when a blood vessel bursts in the brain and begins to leak its contents into the organ.
Despite advances in care improving survival rates, stroke remains the fourth leading cause of death in the UK, with 38,000 stroke-related deaths a year.
New data show that despite a 43.5 percent decline in stroke mortality since 2001, stroke prevalence continues to rise.
Other telltale signs of an impending stroke, equally common, often go unnoticed. These include sudden numbness on one side of the body, sudden vertigo, and difficulty swallowing.
Stroke rehabilitation expert Carolina Fransen, CEO of mechanical technology firm Alvica Medical, spoke about the increase in young cases and attributed the blame to lifestyle factors such as high stress, poor diet, sedentary habits , smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, all of which contribute to causing strokes. hypertension.
Additionally, he said, undiagnosed conditions such as atrial fibrillation go unrecognized in younger age groups.
While data shows that alcohol consumption in younger age groups is, on average, declining, the number of people drinking at dangerous levels is increasing.
The number of men dying from alcohol-related illnesses has risen by a third in just five years, according to data from the Office for National Statistics.
Drinking large amounts of alcohol can increase the amount of a hormone that causes blood vessels to constrict, limiting flow around the body and increasing the risk of clots.
Mrs. Fransen emphasized that adopting a healthier lifestyle, quitting smoking, moderating alcohol consumption, staying active and recognizing early symptoms can significantly reduce the risk, but many young adults remain unaware of this, which worsens the outcome.
Experts at The Stroke Association echoed this.
Juliet Bouverie OBE, chief executive of the Stroke Association, said: “These new figures support our own research that there has been a sharp increase in the number of people affected by strokes over the last 20 years, particularly among those of working age.” .
Game of Thrones actress Emilia Clarke has repeatedly spoken out about the lack of support for young stroke survivors. He suffered a brain hemorrhage when he was only 24 years old.
The figures come as the NHS launches a major campaign urging the public to call 999 immediately if anyone experiences even one of the three most common stroke symptoms, such as difficulty smiling, raising an arm or slurring their speech.
Dr David Hargroves, NHS national stroke clinical director, warned that even a short delay in calling 999 could have catastrophic consequences.
He said: “When someone has a stroke, it is estimated that they can lose around two million brain cells per minute, which is why rapid diagnosis and treatment is essential.”
“The first sign of a stroke may not seem like a big deal, but the face, arm or speech… at the first sign, it’s time to call 999.”
Among those affected is salesman Lewis Clasby, from Portsmouth, who suffered a serious stroke at the age of 29 despite having no pre-existing health problems.
When he collapsed at home, he initially thought he had fainted and went back to sleep.
Even after waking up later sweating profusely, he delayed calling an ambulance for fear of wasting first responders’ time.
He said: ‘The last thing on my mind was that I might be having a stroke.
Stroke symptoms are commonly remembered by this four-letter acronym, FAST. Patients who suffer a stroke may often have their face drooping to one side, have difficulty raising both arms and difficulty speaking, while time is of the essence as immediate treatment for a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or A minor stroke can substantially reduce the risk of having a stroke. much deadlier stroke
Another younger woman who suffered a stroke is Dionne Hudson, 58, who “went back to sleep” minutes after her attack.
“When they told me there was no chance, there was no way I could have a stroke.”
The impact of Clasby’s stroke was devastating when he was young.
He said: “I worked really hard to get to where I was, in my opinion, 30 is when you start living.”
“I had just had a child, I had my own house, I had a partner, I literally had everything and after a day it all disappeared.
“My whole life changed in a second.”
Clasby previously worked as a machinist, but had to move to his company’s sales office after the stroke.
Doctors later informed him that the stroke was caused by one of the largest blood clots they had ever seen, and initially warned that his chances of walking again were slim.
Reflecting on his recovery, Clasby added: “I understand why older people don’t make an effort (to get better), because a lot of times it seems pointless.”
The rise in strokes among young people appears against a backdrop of a general increase in stroke admissions.
Across all age groups, hospital admissions for stroke increased 28 percent in two decades, rising from 87,069 in 2004 to 111,137 in 2024.
People aged 50 to 59 experienced the largest increase, with admissions increasing by 55 percent, from 8,063 in 2004 to 12,533 in 2024.
This compares with a 42 percent increase for people ages 60 to 69 and a 25 percent increase for people ages 70 to 79.
Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, said: “These figures are shocking, especially given that the causes of stroke are largely preventable.”
Dionne Hudson, 58, suffered an ischemic stroke in July 2024, but initially dismissed her symptoms.
Like Clasby, he also decided not to call 999 and went to sleep, unaware that he was having a stroke.
She said: “There was a voice in my head all night saying, ‘Dionne, you’re having a stroke,’ and it just wouldn’t let up.
‘Although I was aware of the FAST campaign, like many others, I had a preconceived idea that strokes only happen to older people.
“When I woke up, I can only describe it as if I had turned into a human pinball machine.”
Health professionals and charities are united in their calls for greater awareness, particularly among younger people who may not associate strokes with their age group.
Clasby attributed his recovery to his mentality and determination, and in a message to young stroke survivors, he said: ‘Whatever the circumstances, don’t give up.
“And don’t be afraid to call 999 like I did.”