Stroke: Top neurologist reveals the hidden reasons behind a stroke, even in ‘healthy adults’; ‘Strokes often have non-traditional or hidden causes…’ |

When we think strokes, we often relate them to 50+, obese individuals, those with Hypertension, or sedentary lifestyles. Yet, that is not always the case. Dr Sudhir Kumar, a leading neurologist recently revealed the hidden signs of stroke that can affect even healthy individuals. Recently on his X handle, he wrote, “My BP is always 120/80… I sleep 7 hours… I walk 10,000 steps. Why did I suffer a stroke?” A 40-year-old patient asked me this after a recent stroke.Even when someone appears perfectly healthy, a stroke can still occur. Normal blood pressure, good sleep, and regular exercise reduce stroke risk, but they do not eliminate it. In younger adults (especially below 50), strokes often have non-traditional or hidden causes.In young adults, the 5 common hidden causes are:

Let’s now examine these reasons in detail…Strokes strike young adults under 45 more often than before, often from sneaky causes missed in routine checkups. While older adults face plaque buildup, youth deal with heart holes, vessel tears, blood clotting glitches, lipid quirks, and silent sugar issues. Up to 25% of cases stay “cryptogenic” or hidden under standard tests, but digging deeper reveals these culprits in most. Catching them early saves brains and lives-simple scans and blood work spot risks before disaster hits. Let’s take a look…

Heart IssuesA hole in the heart called patent foramen ovale (PFO) lets clots slip from veins to brain arteries, sparking 20-30% of young strokes. This flap-like gap, left from birth, stays shut poorly in 25% of people and flips open under pressure like coughing or lifting. Atrial fibrillation-irregular quick beats-doubles clot odds, even in fit 30-somethings from stress, caffeine, or genes. Wearables, such as smart watches or rings, can catch silent episodes. Closure surgery or blood thinners slash repeat risks by 50%. Many joggers and those on a desk job ignore fluttering feelings until a routine test reveals the breach-test young, if family history lurks.Artery dissection from neck injuriesTears in neck arteries-carotid or vertebral dissection-cut off brain blood fast, causing 10-25% of strokes in those under 45. Whiplash from car crashes, yoga twists, or even coughing rips vessel walls, forming clots that block flow. Pain like thunderclap headaches or neck ache hits first, then weakness or vision blur follows hours later.Abnormal Lipids and High Lipoprotein(a)Sneaky high lipids, especially lipoprotein(a) or Lp(a), gum up young arteries despite normal cholesterol reads. This genetic sticky particle inflames vessels, raising clot risks 2-3 times in millennials from poor diets or family traits. Standard panels miss Lp(a); Obesity and diabetes amp it, turning 20-somethings’ blood thick. Obesity and diabetes amp it, turning 20-somethings’ blood thick. Diet tweaks like omega-3s help too. Hidden in half of “healthy” young patients, it explains rising cases; screen lipids fully beyond basic cholesterol. Hidden in half of “healthy” young patients, it explains rising cases-screen lipids fully beyond basic cholesterol.Clotting disordersPregnancy, birth control, or smoking ignite these gene glitches, forming brain plugs. Pregnancy, birth control, or smokes ignite these gene glitches, forming brain plugs. APS hit 50 cases in one cohort; illicit drugs like cocaine added 16 more. Lifelong thinners prevent 80% recurrences of such strokes. Lifelong thinners prevent 80% recurrences of such stroke. Dehydration or long flights worsen it. These invisible thickeners fool standard checkups, striking women hardest-test if clots run in family.

DiabetesSilent diabetes or prediabetes ravages young vessels, doubling stroke risk through sugar-damaged linings and clots. Metabolic syndrome-belly fat, high sugar, pressure-fuels 20% of millennial strokes without obvious signs. A1C over 5.7% or fasting glucose 100+ mg/dL flags it; which is why it is so important to stay away from sugary snacks. Insulin resistance thickens blood, inviting blockages. Weight loss, metformin, and walks can reverse upto 50% cases early.What should one do?Get tested regularly. Keep your vitals under controlFollow a heart healthy diet. Prevent dehydrationGet moving. Exercise is the best tool to prevent strokesDo not sit for long, especially on your work desk/long haul flights. Take a small walk every hour to prevent blood clots.