Georgia is considered part of the “stroke belt,” an area in the southeastern U.S. with stroke death rates about 30% higher than the rest of the nation, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health.

Now, two new studies by the American Heart Association are showing a connection between stroke and younger patients.

The more recent study showed that increased alcohol use contributes to cardiovascular disease, including stroke. The study provided evidence that heavy alcohol consumption — more than 4 drinks a day — raises the risk of stroke.

“Initiation of alcohol use rapidly escalates through the teenage years, and prevalence rates peak in the early 20s,” the survey reported.

Emory Healthcare’s stroke prevention clinic reports an increase in younger patients, ages 18 to 44, seeki

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