Know Your Risk Before It Strikes
Your arteries could be hiding early disease. Find out today.
You may think heart attacks and strokes only happen later in life. But that’s no longer true. More and more people under age 55 are being hospitalized with serious heart or brain events.
These include stars like Luke Perry, who died from a massive stroke at 52. Other well-known names such as Sharon Stone, Bob Harper, and Rosie O’Donnell have also suffered heart attacks and strokes at a young age.
So what’s going on? Why are strokes on the rise? Why are heart attacks on the rise too? And what can be done to stop it?
Stroke and Heart Attack Rates Are Rising in Young Adults
One large study tracked over 28,000 heart attack cases between 1995 and 2014. It found that 30% of patients were just 35 to 54 years old.
Other research showed a 43% increase in stroke cases among people aged 45–54—and a 36% rise among those just 18–34.
These aren’t rare cases. This is now a trend. So why are strokes increasing in young adults? And what’s behind the rising brain attack rates?
What Causes More Stroke Cases in Young People?
A recent study looked at over 1.4 million young adults hospitalized for heart attacks. Almost all of them had at least one risk factor:
- High blood pressure
- Smoking
- High cholesterol
- Obesity
- Diabetes
These five risks can each raise the chance of a heart or brain event. Having more than one makes things worse. People in their 30s or 40s with two or more of these risks were ten times more likely to have a stroke than those without them.
Many young adults don’t realize how serious these conditions are. Some never get screened. Others think they’re too young to worry about stroke or heart disease.
But numbers don’t lie. Hypertension and stroke rise together. So do obesity and stroke. And many people don’t know they’re at risk until it’s too late.
Are Doctors Missing the Signs?
One study of heart attack survivors ages 18 to 55 found that almost all had at least one risk factor. But only 53% knew they were at risk. Many had never discussed heart health with a doctor.
Even worse, women were often left out of the conversation. They were 11% less likely to be told they were at risk, and 16% less likely to get advice on how to lower their chances of a heart attack or stroke.
This gap in care may be one reason for the rise in strokes and heart attacks in women under 55.
When Should Screening Begin?
Many people think they can wait until their 40s to get checked. But the American Heart Association says screening for heart risk should start at age 20.
That’s because damage starts early. Arteries can begin to harden in the teens or twenties. If not caught, this can lead to heart attacks and strokes years later—even in someone who seems healthy.
Early screening can save lives.
The Best Ways to Check for Hidden Risk
The BaleDoneen Method uses both lab tests and imaging to look for early signs of disease—even in people who feel fine. Here are some top ways to check for silent risks:
Blood Pressure
Nearly half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure. It’s the top risk factor for stroke.
Cholesterol
Standard tests don’t always show the full risk. A special test for lipoprotein(a) can spot a common inherited problem that triples heart attack risk.
Blood Sugar
Insulin resistance causes about 70% of heart attacks. A two-hour glucose test gives the clearest result.
Waist Size
A waist over 35 inches (women) or 40 inches (men) signals metabolic syndrome, which raises stroke and diabetes risk.
Carotid Artery Test (cIMT)
This simple 15-minute scan checks the lining of the neck artery. It can show early signs of plaque before symptoms appear.
Oral Health
Bacteria from gum disease can lead to heart disease. A special mouth test can detect harmful bacteria early.
Genetic Testing
About half of Americans carry genes that raise their heart and stroke risk. Testing can help guide better care.
Other Hidden Risks You Should Know
Sedentary Lifestyle
Too much sitting raises stroke risk. Long hours without movement harm blood flow and metabolism.
Heat Waves
Recent research suggests heat waves may raise stroke risk, especially in people with high blood pressure or poor heart health.
These extra factors are worth watching as well. They might help explain why stroke prevalence is on the rise, even among people with normal weight or cholesterol.
What Can You Do Now?
Start with simple steps:
- Know your blood pressure
- Get tested for cholesterol, glucose, and lipoprotein(a)
- Watch your waist size
- Move every day
- Ask your doctor about heart and stroke screening
- Get a dental checkup
You don’t need to wait for symptoms. Prevention works best when started early.
If you’re 20 or older and haven’t been screened, it’s time. You could be living with silent risk without knowing it.
Final Thoughts
So, why are strokes on the rise? Because more young adults are living with undetected health risks. Heart attacks are on the rise too—and not just in older people.
Many of these cases could be prevented with simple tests, better screening, and lifestyle changes. The earlier you act, the better your chances of staying healthy.
Talk to your provider. Get checked. And protect your arteries—now, not later.
About the Author: Amy Doneen
