Stroke can strike at any age, including young adults in their 30s and 40s, and even children are not immune. Increasingly, lifestyle changes and non-traditional risk factors are contributing to the rise of strokes in younger populations. Everyone should recognize that stroke is not limited to the elderly, and awareness must include all age groups. Why Stroke Happens in Young Adults Traditional risk factors: Diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, smoking, excessive drinking, and lack of exercise are common contributors not only in older but also in younger adults today. Non-traditional causes: Stress, sleep disorders (like sleep apnea), migraine, substance abuse, depression, and exposure to environmental pollution are emerging as important causes of stroke

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