The latest research has shown that Millennials and Gen Z are at a higher risk of stroke if they experience frequent migraines. These individuals, born between 1980 and 2010, are under the age of 45 and have been found to be at risk for certain unfamiliar factors such as migraines, blood clotting disorders, kidney failure, and autoimmune diseases.
The study used Colorado health insurance data from 2012 to 2019 to identify these risks. Migraine was found to be the most significant risk factor for stroke in individuals under the age of 35, contributing to about 20% of strokes in men and nearly 35% of strokes in women. In total, over 40 million people in the US live with this neurological disorder characterized by severe headaches.
Lead author Dr. Michelle Leppert emphasized the importance of recognizing both traditional and non-traditional risk factors in diagnosing stroke in young people. While 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; new research suggests that non-traditional risk factors become more prevalent in younger stroke patients. These include migraines which can lead to disabling strokes if left untreated.
Therefore, it is important for healthcare providers to pay attention to these non-traditional risks when diagnosing stroke in young people. Further research is needed to prevent strokes in this demographic as well as early diagnosis and treatment of migraines can significantly reduce the chances of having a stroke.
