Experts have raised the alarm about a dramatic surge in strokes among millenial men — and and have blamed junk food diets and increases in heavy boozing, as well as stressful, modern lives for the trend.
A MailOnline analysis of NHS data has revealed that strokes among men aged under 39 have jumped by nearly a quarter over the last two decades.
In comparison, life-threatening attacks in women of the same age have risen by just one per cent.
In 2004-05, men under 39 made up 52.8 per cent of cases, compared to 47.2 per cent for women of the same age.
By 2023-24, this gap had widened even further, with men representing nearly two thirds of all cases, while the share of women dropped to 42.3 per cent.
It comes weeks after NHS health chiefs warned of a worrying rise in stroke among the under 50s.
The number of people aged 50 to 59 who suffer the potentially fatal condition has risen by 55 per cent in the past 20 years, official data shows.
Strokes affect more than 100,000 Brits annually — one every five minutes — claiming 38,000 lives.
Lewis Clasby suffered a stroke in his 20s, despite feeling as though he was in the best shape of his life.
This makes it the UK’s fourth biggest killer and a leading cause of disability.
The problem occurs when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, killing brain cells. The damage can lead to long-term disability and affect how people think and feel.
The most common cause is fatty deposits or a blood clot blocking arteries supplying the brain — known as ischaemic stroke.
This happens due to cardiovascular disease, when blood vessels become narrowed or blocked over time by plaques.
These are made of cholesterol, calcium and other substances that build up in the artery walls in a process known as atherosclerosis.
The other — called hemorrhagic strokes — occurs when a blood vessel bursts in the brain and starts to leak its contents into the organ.
Despite advances in care improving survival rates, strokes remain the fourth-leading cause of death in the UK, with 38,000 stroke-related deaths annually.
The new data shows that despite a 43.5 per cent decrease in stroke mortality since 2001, stroke prevalence continues to rise.
Other – just as common – tell-tale signs of a looming stroke, often fall under the radar. These include sudden numbness on one side of the body, sudden vertigo and difficulty swallowing
Speaking on the rise in young cases, stroke rehabilitation expert Carolina Fransen, CEO of mechtech firm Alvica Medical, blamed lifestyle factors such as high stress, poor diet, sedentary habits, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption — all of which contribute to stroke-causing high blood pressure.
Additionally, she said, undiagnosed conditions like atrial fibrillation are going unnoticed in younger age groups.
While data show alcohol consumption in younger age groups is, on average, falling, the numbers of people drinking to dangerous levels is increasing.
The number of men dying from alcohol-related diseases has risen by a third in just five years, according to data from the Office for National Statistics.
Drinking high quanitites of alcohol can increase the quantity of a hormone that causes the blood vessels to constrict, limiting the flow around the body and raising the risk of clots.
Ms Fransen emphasised that adopting a healthier lifestyle, quitting smoking, moderating alcohol intake, staying active, and recognising early symptoms can significantly reduce the risk, yet many young adults remain unaware of this, which worsens the outcome.
Experts from The Stroke Association echoed this.
Juliet Bouverie OBE, CEO of the Stroke Association, said: ‘These new figures support our own research that there’s been a steep rise in the number of people affected by stroke over the last 20 years, particularly among those of working age.’
Game of Thrones actress Emilia Clarke has repeatedly spoken about the lack of support young stroke survivors have. She suffered a brain haemorrhage at the age of just 24
The figures come as the NHS launch a major campaign urging the public to call 999 immediately if anyone experiences even just one of the three most common symptoms of strokes, including struggling to smile, raise an arm, or slurring their words.
Dr David Hargroves, NHS National Clinical Director for Stroke, warned that even a brief delay in calling 999 could have catastrophic consequences.
He said: ‘When someone has a stroke, it’s estimated they may lose around two million brain cells a minute, which is why rapid diagnosis and treatment is critical.
‘The first sign of a stroke might not seem like much, but face or arm or speech – at the first sign, it’s time to call 999.’
Among those affected is salesperson Lewis Clasby, from Portsmouth, who had a severe stroke at 29 despite having no pre-existing health conditions.
When he collapsed at home, he initially believed he had passed out and went back to sleep.
Even after waking later in hot sweats, he delayed calling an ambulance in fear of wasting responders’ time.
He said: ‘The last thing on my mind was that I could be having a stroke.
Stroke symptoms are commonly remembered under this four-letter acronym, FAST. Patients experiencing a stroke can often have their face drop on one side, struggle to lift both arms and have slurred speech, while time is essential, as immediate treatment for a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or minor stroke can substantially slash the risk of a much deadlier major stroke
Another younger woman to suffer a stroke is Dionne Hudson, 58, who ‘went back to sleep’ in the minutes following her attack.
‘When they told me I thought not a chance, there was no way I could be having a stroke.’
The impact of Clasby’s stroke was devastating as a young person.
He said: ‘I worked so hard to get where I was, in my eyes your 30s are when you start living.
‘I’d just had a kid, I had my own house, I had a partner, I literally had everything and then within one day it was just gone.
‘My whole life changed within a second.’
Clasby previously worked as a machinist but had to move to the sales office at his company in the aftermath of the stroke.
Doctors later informed him that the stroke was caused by one of the largest blood clots they had ever seen, and initially warned that his chances of walking again were slim.
Reflecting on his recovery, Clasby added: ‘I understand why old people don’t put the effort in [to get better], because a lot of the time it just seems pointless.’
The rise in strokes among young people appears against a backdrop of increasing overall stroke admissions.
Across all age groups, hospital admissions for strokes increased by 28 per cent in two decades, rising from 87,069 in 2004 to 111,137 by 2024.
Those aged 50-59 experienced the highest increase, with admissions rising by 55 per cent from 8,063 in 2004 to 12,533 by 2024.
This is compared to a 42 per cent increase for those aged 60-69, and a 25% rise for ages 70-79.
Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, said: ‘These figures are shocking, particularly given the causes of stroke are largely preventable.
Dionne Hudson, 58, suffered an ischaemic stroke in July 2024, but initially dismissed her symptoms.
Like Clasby, she also chose not to call 999 and instead went to sleep, unaware she was having a stroke.
She said: ‘There was this voice in my head all through the night saying, ‘Dionne, you’re having a stroke,’ and it would just not let up.
‘Although I was aware of the FAST campaign, like many others I had a preconceived idea that strokes only happen to the elderly.
‘When I woke up, I can only describe it as turning into a human pinball machine.’
Health professionals and charities are united in their calls for greater awareness, particularly among younger people who may not associate strokes with their age group.
Clasby credited his recovery to his mindset and determination, and in a message to young stroke survivors, he said: ‘Whatever the circumstances, do not give up.
‘And don’t be scared to ring 999 like I was.’
