There are many diseases that, rightly or wrongly, we automatically refer to older people. I am an example of this Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s or stroke. We could say that in substance it is truthful information because unfortunately the early forms are not considered. As for stroke, for example, 75% of cases affect people over 65. An authoritative study found a different profile of those affected by stroke at a later age than those affected at an early age. In this article we will see who would be most at risk for early stroke and what kind of prevention is possible.
Depression, migraines and hormonal factors could be warning signs of this disease that affects far more women than men
A study published in Stroke, the journal of the American Stroke Association, examined dozens of researches from 2008 to 2021. This review yielded unexpected results. If in the over-65 cases it is men who are more affected than women, at an early age the data is reversed. Stroke affects girls under the age of 35 much more than male peers. Girls have a 44% higher risk of being affected. A difference that seems to disappear in the next generation between the ages of 35 and 45.
The motives and the cause
First of all, let’s remember that there are 4 types of stroke that can recur:
- ischemic stroke
- temporary ischemic attack or mini-stroke;
- stroke hemorrhagic;
- cryptogenic stroke, i.e. of unknown causes.
Of the entire mass of stroke cases screened, 87% of cases involve ischemic stroke. Therefore, the majority of the strokes considered are due to the interruption or reduction of the blood supply to the brain caused by a thrombus or an embolus. The reasons for this incidence, however, were not investigated by the study. The Veronesi Foundation reports the eminent opinion of an Italian expert on the pathology. Among the contributing causes of this greater incidence among young women there would be:
- atherosclerosis, that is the disease that leads to a stiffening of the arteries and the formation of plaques inside them that reduce their volume;
- hormonal factors such as being pregnant or taking birth control pills;
- depression, which would lead to an increased risk of stroke;
- migraine with aura.
Prevention
In addition to adopting suitable behaviors, ecocolordoppler and electrocardiograms could be performed periodically. We can also decrease the salt intake, quit smoking or consume alcohol.
So we look after symptoms such as depression, migraines and hormonal factors.
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