The number of strokes in adults under 40 is increasing.

The number of people who suffered a stroke (CVA) or cerebrovascular accident (CVA) and were treated in the public hospital network of the state of São Paulo increased, rising from 36,1 hospitalizations in 2009 to 38,9 in 2010. A survey by the State Health Department indicated that 14% of patients are between 30 and 49 years old.

The total number of hospitalizations in this age group reached 5,5. The majority of cases still occur among the population over 70 years of age, with 15,9 hospitalizations, followed by patients between 50 and 59 years of age, with 7,3 cases recorded.

However, in a statement, neurologist Reinaldo Teixeira Ribeiro warned that "the main risk factors, which used to appear only in people over 40, are manifesting themselves earlier and earlier."

In his assessment, the urban lifestyle has favored the emergence of more stressed, sedentary people, with the consumption of foods rich in fats, which causes them to become overweight and susceptible to high blood pressure and diabetes.

According to the doctor, the main causes of strokes are systemic arterial hypertension (commonly known as high blood pressure), diabetes mellitus (high blood sugar levels), dyslipidemia (high cholesterol and triglycerides), smoking, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and stress.

He recommends that to avoid these risk factors, people should engage in regular physical activity and maintain a balanced diet. The neurologist stressed that immediate medical attention is important. To help identify if a person is suffering a stroke, he mentioned that, typically, these are situations where the victim suddenly experiences facial drooping, numbness, heaviness in the arms and legs, and difficulty moving or speaking.