Experts have raised the alarm over a dramatic rise in strokes among thousands of men – and have blamed junk food diets and increased obesity, as well as stressful, modern lifestyles.
MailOnline analysis NHS Data shows that stroke in men under the age of 39 has risen by a quarter over the past two decades.
In comparison, life-threatening assaults among women of the same age increased by only one percent.
In the year In 2004-05, 52.8 percent of men under the age of 39, 47.2 percent of women of the same age.
In the year By 2023-24, this gap had widened further, with men representing two-thirds of all cases, while the proportion of women had dropped to 42.3 per cent.
It comes weeks after NHS health chiefs warned of a worrying rise in strokes among the under-50s.
The number of people aged 50 to 59 suffering from a potentially fatal condition has increased by 55 percent in the past 20 years, official data show.
A stroke affects more than 100,000 Britons every year – one every five minutes – claiming 38,000 lives.
Lewis Clasby felt like he was in the best shape of his life, but suffered a stroke in his 20s.
This makes it the fourth biggest killer and leading cause of disability in the UK.
The problem occurs when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, killing the brain cells. The injury can cause long-term disability and affect people’s thinking and emotions.
The most common cause is fatty deposits or blockages in the arteries that supply the brain – known as ischemic stroke.
This is caused by cardiovascular disease, when blood vessels become narrowed or blocked by plaque.
These are formed from cholesterol, calcium and other substances in the artery walls in a process known as atherosclerosis.
Another – called a hemorrhagic stroke – occurs when a blood vessel bursts in the brain and begins to leak its contents into the body.
Although advances in care have improved survival rates, stroke remains the fourth leading cause of death in the UK, with 38,000 stroke-related deaths per year.
The new data shows that although stroke deaths have decreased by 43.5 percent since 2001, the prevalence of strokes is still increasing.
Other – as usual – symptoms of a looming stroke, often slip under the radar. These include sudden numbness in one part of the body, sudden dizziness and difficulty swallowing
Stroke rehabilitation specialist Carolina Franson, CEO of mechtech firm Alveca Medical, blames the rise in young cases on factors such as high stress, poor nutrition, sedentary habits, smoking and excessive lifestyles. Alcohol Consumption – all this contributes to stroke-high blood pressure.
In addition, she said, undiagnosed conditions such as atrial fibrillation are going unnoticed at a young age.
The data shows that alcohol consumption in the younger age group is decreasing on average, the number of people drinking to dangerous levels is increasing.
The number of men dying from alcohol-related diseases has risen by a third in just five years, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics.
Drinking large amounts of alcohol increases levels of a hormone that causes blood vessels to constrict, restricting circulation around the body and increasing the risk of blood clots.
Mrs. Franson He explained that following a healthy lifestyle, stopping smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, being active and recognizing the early signs can significantly reduce the risk, but many young people remain unaware of this, which worsens the consequences.
Stroke Association experts echoed this.
Juliet Bouverie OBA, chief executive of the Stroke Association, said: “These new figures support our own research which has shown a significant increase in the number of people having a stroke over the last 20 years, particularly in working age people.”
Game of Thrones actress Emilia Clarke has spoken out about the lack of support for young stroke survivors. At the age of 24, she suffered a brain hemorrhage
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, including struggling to smile, lifting an arm or slurring their words.
Dr David Hargroves, NHS National Stroke Clinical Director, warned that even a short delay in calling 999 could have dire consequences.
He said: ‘It is estimated that when a person has a stroke, they can lose up to two million brain cells per minute, which is why quick diagnosis and treatment is so important.
“The first sign of a stroke may not seem like much, but the face or arm or speech – at the first sign it’s time to call 999.”
Among those injured was Lewis Clasby, a salesman from Portsmouth who suffered a massive stroke at the age of 29, despite not having any health problems.
When he collapsed in the house, he initially believed himself dead and went back to sleep.
After later waking up in a hot sweat, he delayed calling an ambulance, afraid to waste responders’ time.
He said: ‘The last thing on my mind is a possible haemorrhage.
Stroke symptoms are commonly referred to under this four-letter acronym, FAST. Patients who have suffered a stroke often have their face drooping on one side, may struggle to lift both arms and may have slurred speech, but time is of the essence, as prompt treatment for a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or mild stroke can greatly reduce the risk of dementia. A major bleeding disorder that can be fatal
Another younger woman, 58-year-old Dionne Hudson, who suffered a stroke, was ‘asleep’ in the minutes following the attack.
‘There was no way I could have had a stroke when they told me to think it was no accident.’
The effects of Clasby’s stroke at a young age were devastating.
He said: ‘I’ve worked hard to get where I am, in my view your 30s is when you start living.
‘A child was born, I had my own house, I had a partner, I literally had everything and it was gone in one day.
‘My whole life changed in a second.’
Clasby used to work as a machinist, but due to a stroke, he had to go to the company’s sales office.
Doctors later described the stroke as one of the largest blood clots they had ever seen and initially warned that his chances of ever walking again were slim.
Reflecting on his recovery, Clasby says, ‘I understand why older people don’t put in the effort (to get better) because it often seems pointless.’
The increase in stroke among young people appears to be increasing overall stroke admissions.
Hospital admissions for stroke among all age groups have increased by 28% in two decades, from 87,069 in 2004 to 111,137 in 2024.
People aged 50-59 saw the biggest increase, rising 55 percent from 8,063 in 2004 to 12,533 in 2024.
This compares to a 42 percent increase for those aged 60-69 and a 25 percent increase for those aged 70-79.
“These numbers are alarming, especially given that most of the causes of stroke are preventable,” said Wes Streeting, the US health and social care secretary.
Dionne Hudson, 58, suffered an ischemic stroke in July 2024, but initially dismissed the symptoms.
Like Clasby, she chose not to call 999 and instead went to bed unaware she was having a stroke.
She said: ‘All night I had this voice in my head, ‘Dion, you’re having a stroke’ and I wouldn’t shut up.
Even though I was aware of the rapid campaign, like many others I had a preconceived notion that strokes only happen to the elderly.
I can only describe that when I woke up I turned into a human pinball machine.
Health professionals and charities are united in calling for more awareness, especially in young people who may not associate strokes with their age group.
Clasby spoke of his recovery with determination and determination, and in his message to young stroke survivors, ‘Don’t give up no matter what.
‘And don’t be afraid to call 999 like I did.’
