Stroke Rates Rise Among Adults Under 55, Study Finds
New research indicates that stroke incidence among adults under 55 has nearly doubled over 27 years, contrasting with a decline in older populations.
CINCINNATI, OHIO – The incidence of stroke among adults under the age of 55 has significantly increased in the United States over the past 27 years, according to a study from the University of Cincinnati. The research found that stroke cases per 100,000 person-years rose from 33.9 in 1993-1994 to 62.18 in 2020 for individuals aged 20 to 54.
This trend stands in contrast to older adults (55 and above), where stroke rates have declined. For this group, the incidence fell from 618.78 cases per 100,000 person-years in 1993-1994 to 453.04 cases per 100,000 person-years by 2020. The overall national expectation was for stroke rates to decrease.
The study analyzed hospitalizations for stroke across a five-county region in greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, examining data from six periods between July 1993 and June 2020. Researchers aimed to identify incidence rates, 30-day case fatality rates, and the impact of risk factors in younger adults over time.
Researchers highlighted the concerning nature of rising stroke occurrences in younger demographics. "Our study was able to look at younger individuals with stroke in a more granular way over a very long period of time. We also felt that any changes in this age group were really important to study in general," said Dr. David Robinson, senior author of the study and assistant professor at the University of Cincinnati.