Strokes and heart attacks: why are "diseases of the elderly" increasingly common among the young?

      On July 7, 2026, 12:58 Society In recent years, a troubling trend has been observed in Russia: heart attacks and strokes, previously considered predominantly "diseases of the elderly," have started to occur in people under 40 years old. Approximately 400,000 to 450,000 cases of acute cerebrovascular accidents are registered annually, with 5-14% of them occurring in the age group of 18 to 44 years. Men are more prone to strokes, but women under 35 have a higher risk of ischemic stroke due to pregnancy, the use of oral contraceptives, and smoking. About 45,000 young people face strokes, half of whom become disabled.

      Causes of early cardiovascular problems Neurologist Pavel Khoroshev explained in a comment for 360.ru that a stroke is a disruption of blood supply related to the state of the cardiovascular system and blood quality. One of the main reasons is the epidemic of diabetes, which leads to vascular damage and the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. Heart rhythm disturbances due to excess weight and visceral fat are also significant.

      People consume poor-quality food rich in fats and fast carbohydrates. This leads to an increase in type 2 diabetes, where cells lose sensitivity to insulin, glucose is not absorbed, circulating in the blood and oxidizing "bad" cholesterol. This damages the inner lining of blood vessels—the endothelium. Damaged endothelium contributes to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, narrowing the lumen of blood vessels. As a result, the brain does not receive adequate nutrition, which can lead to a stroke.

      Stress and alcohol exacerbate heart problems. Alcohol disrupts its rhythm, and its breakdown products damage blood vessels. Doctor Pavel Khoroshev noted that stress is often attempted to be alleviated with alcohol, leading to even greater cardiovascular problems. Cardiologist Denis Prokofyev added that viral and bacterial infections can contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases. For prevention, it is important to lead a healthy lifestyle: give up alcohol, engage in sports, control body weight, cholesterol levels, blood sugar, and blood pressure. Protection against infections also plays an important role in maintaining health.

      How do our habits affect health? Cardiovascular diseases, once considered an illness of the elderly, are now frequently seen in young people. The main causes:

      - Poor nutrition: consumption of unhealthy food rich in sugar and fats.

      - Sedentary lifestyle: lack of physical activity.

      - Alcohol abuse: it exacerbates the condition rather than helping to cope with stress.

      - Ignoring symptoms: postponing a visit to the doctor.

      How to change the situation Specialists believe that many risk factors can be controlled. Yes, the disease has "younger," and it is now important to take steps to maintain health. Prevention is not a temporary measure but a way of life, and it should start in childhood.

      - Formation of healthy habits: from elementary school, it is important to teach children the basics of a healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition, hydration, and understanding the consequences of bad habits.

      - Regular physical activity: sports should become an integral part of life.

      - Regular medical check-ups: timely diagnosis allows for the identification of problems at early stages. Prevention of cardiovascular diseases includes maintaining a healthy weight, controlling cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure levels.

      - Stress management: Stress has become an integral part of modern life, and its impact on health is hard to overestimate. Doctors recommend developing stress management techniques: physical exercises, meditation, yoga, and hobbies help reduce the burden on the nervous system.

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