A recent study has found that individuals born between 1980 and 2010, commonly referred to as Millennials and Gen Z, are at a higher risk of stroke if they experience frequent migraines. The study, which used Colorado health insurance data from 2012 to 2019, identified migraine as the most significant risk factor for stroke in people under the age of 35.
Dr. Michelle Leppert, an assistant professor of neurology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, led the study and emphasized the importance of recognizing both traditional and non-traditional risk factors in diagnosing stroke in young people. Traditional risk factors for stroke include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, tobacco use, obesity, physical inactivity, alcohol abuse, and coronary heart disease. However, non-traditional risk factors become more prevalent in younger stroke patients and highlight the need for further research to prevent strokes in this demographic.
According to Dr. Leppert’s research team at the University of Colorado School of Medicine’s Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences Center for Stroke Research and Prevention Center for Stroke Research and Prevention (CSRP), there is a growing concern about the prevalence of migraines among young adults who are also at a higher risk of developing other chronic diseases such as kidney failure and autoimmune disorders. The study suggests that these conditions may increase the likelihood of having a stroke or other cerebrovascular events.
The CSRP also highlights that traditional risk factors peak in adults aged 35 to 44 and account for a significant portion of strokes in both men and women within that age group. In contrast, high blood pressure is the primary traditional risk factor for stroke in individuals aged 45 to 55 years old.
Overall, Dr. Leppert’s research underscores the importance of identifying all possible risks associated with migraines to help prevent strokes among Millennials and Gen Z population.
In conclusion, it is crucial for healthcare professionals to recognize non-traditional risks such as migraines when diagnosing stroke in young people. Further research is needed to understand how these risks contribute to cerebrovascular events in this demographic group. By identifying all possible risks associated with migraines, healthcare professionals can help prevent strokes among Millennials and Gen Z population effectively.
