Risk Factors for Stroke in Young Adults: Insights from a Study in Northeast India

Background: Stroke among young adults is an emerging public health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. It poses significant implications for healthcare systems and socio-economic development. While traditional risk factors are well-established in older populations, younger individuals may also be affected by a mix of traditional and non-traditional risk factors. Objectives: To identify and categorize traditional and non-traditional stroke risk factors among individuals under 45 years in Northeast India. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 127 stroke patients aged below 45 years over one year. Risk factors were collected, analysed, and categorized as traditional non-modifiable, traditional modifiable, and non-traditional. Results: Among 127 patients (68.5% male), ischemic stroke (49.2%) and intracerebral hemorrhage (45.3%) were most common. Hypertension (72.7%) was the leading traditional modifiable risk factor, followed by smoking (39.8%), smokeless tobacco (25.8%), and alcohol (38.3%). Non-traditional factors included rheumatic heart disease (5.5%), infections (5.5%), autoimmune disorders (2.3%), and hormonal factors (1.6%). Conclusion: Modifiable risk factors, especially hypertension and substance use, are prevalent among young stroke patients. Non-traditional factors also play a crucial role, highlighting the need for targeted, region-specific prevention and management strategies.