New research has shed light on the link between migraines and the risk of stroke in Millennials and Gen Z individuals. A study examining Colorado health insurance data from 2012 to 2019 found that unfamiliar risk factors, including migraines, blood clotting disorders, kidney failure, and autoimmune diseases, were associated with the likelihood of stroke in individuals under 45 years old.
Migraines were identified as the most significant risk factor for stroke in individuals under 35, accounting for 20% of strokes in men and nearly 35% in women. With over 795,000 Americans experiencing a stroke each year, the findings of this study are particularly important.
Dr. Michelle Leppert, lead author of the study and assistant professor of neurology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, emphasized the importance of considering both traditional and non-traditional risk factors in diagnosing strokes in young people. While traditional risk factors for stroke include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, tobacco use, obesity, and heart disease, non-traditional factors like migraines must also be taken into account, especially in younger stroke patients.
The study found that traditional risk factors peak in adults aged 35 to 44, contributing to a significant percentage of strokes. However, Leppert stressed the need for further research into non-traditional risk factors to improve stroke prevention strategies. Understanding the links between migraines and stroke in younger individuals is crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment methods.
Migraine is a neurological condition characterized by severe headaches that affect at least 40 million people in the United States. This new research highlights how important it is to take into account both traditional and non-traditional risk factors when diagnosing strokes in young people.
In summary, recent studies have shown that Millennials and Gen Z individuals may be at a higher risk of stroke if they suffer from frequent migraines. This is due to unfamiliar risk factors such as migraines being linked to the likelihood of stroke in individuals under 45 years old. The study found that traditional risk factors peak in adults aged 35 to 44 while non-traditional risks like migraines must be taken into account especially for younger patients.
