More younger people suffering from strokes, doctor explains signs to look out for
(KYMA, KECY/CNN) - Strokes have been affecting more people 49 years and younger. One doctor explains the signs to look out for when it comes to having a stroke.
"Only about 10% of strokes occur in people less than 50 years of age, so it's probably not on their radar screen," said President of the American Heart Association Dr. Donald M. Lloyd-Jones.
Numbers are going up for younger people suffering strokes, although they aren't considered common.
"People are heavier at younger ages and that means they have more risk factors for stroke including things like higher blood pressure and diabetes. Smoking is always a risk factor for stroke," Dr. Lloyd-Jones continued.
Getting care as fast as possible is important when having a stroke, but there is a way to identify symptoms.
"It's called FAST. The F stands for facial drooping, so if one side of your face is suddenly drooping pay attention. The A stands for arm or leg weakness on one side. The S stands for speech difficulty and the T means time to call 911," Dr. Lloyd-Jones explained.
