Dignity Health | hello Healthy | Spring 2019

HelloHealthy | Spring 2019 5 Strokes primarily strike older adults. But as Nathan Banks’ story illustrates, a stroke can happen to anyone at any age. “You are not immune to stroke just because you’re a young adult,” says Kiron Thomas, MD, Director of Stroke and Neurointerventional Services at Dignity Health – Memorial Hospital. In fact, the number of younger adults having a stroke is on the rise. One possible reason: A 2017 study in JAMA Neurology found that stroke risk factors—such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity—have become more common among younger people. Another cause of stroke in young adults is a condition called arterial dissection (a tear in the blood vessel wall), Dr. Thomas says. Trauma is often a cause of these tears in the neck arteries, though they can happen spontaneously. Some people inherit a higher risk for the condition. More young adults are having strokes Prevention is key No matter what your age, you can take steps to lessen your chances of having a stroke. Among other steps, you can: Know your risk for stroke. Regular checkups can help your doctor find and monitor any stroke risk factors you have. If your doctor prescribes a medication, such as one to bring your blood pressure down, take it as directed. Lead a healthy lifestyle. For instance, maintain a healthy weight, don’t smoke, exercise regularly, and eat a healthy diet. “A healthy lifestyle can go a long way toward preventing a stroke,” Dr. Thomas says.