Stroke, cases among young people are increasing: every year there are 12 thousand cases in the 'under 55s'

Lstroke is no longer a disease of the elderly: in Italy 12 thousand people under 55 are affected every year, out of a total of 120 thousand. 25% of cases occur before the age of 65. It is one of the top three causes of death and the first of disability, affecting 45 thousand of the survivors of the acute event. To increase attention on cases in the under 55s, Isa-AII (Italian Stroke Association – Italian Stroke Society) has started a training and screening project in collaboration with the Inspectorate for educational institutions of the Guardia di Finanza. The prevention activities and the news on treatments were at the opening press conference of the X National Congress of the Society, in L'Aquila until April 13th.

Stroke cases in under 55s are on the rise

“Cases of stroke under the age of 55 – states Mauro Silvestrini, Isa-AII president – ​​are increasing. If in the past it was a pathology that mainly affected the elderly, today, thanks to incorrect lifestyles, age average has dropped. It is very important to invest in primary prevention, because i damage from hypertension, lack of control of blood sugar and cholesterol, smoking, excess alcohol, being overweight and sedentary lifestyle they manifest themselves on the circulatory system at a young age, and then cause acute events such as stroke. For this reason we have decided to start a screening program for all age groups.”

“As a scientific society – adds Paola Santalucia, president-elect of Isa-AII – our commitment and our actions start precisely from the prevention of stroke, which has repercussions both on the health of the individual and on the state of well-being of the entire population, even with a view to reducing the socio-economic impact which is currently estimated in Europe at over 60 billion euros. For this reason, the screening and awareness-raising activities carried out with the GdF will also be extended to the population”.

On 13 April, on the occasion of the final day of the congress, a public initiative is planned in the Castello park in L'Aquila for the evaluation of individual cardiovascular and stroke risk through the compilation of 'Cardiovascular risk cards', the measurement of blood pressure and abdominal circumference.

“The initiative also represents an opportunity to provide education and information for the correct and rapid recognition of the early signs of stroke, so that the ability to intervene appropriately and in the shortest possible time is spread to allow effective treatments and reduce their consequences “, he concludes.