Strokes Rising Among Adults Under 45

Data shows nearly 15% increase in strokes for ages 18-44 over 10 years

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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About 70,000 Americans under the age of 45 suffer a stroke each year, and data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show a nearly 15% rise over a 10-year period in strokes among people ages 18 to 44. Physicians cite unhealthy lifestyle choices, genetic conditions, stress, drug use and infrequent visits to the doctor as factors behind the increase in stroke among younger people.

Why it matters

Strokes are the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S. and the leading cause of disability around the world. The rise in strokes among younger adults is a concerning trend that highlights the need for greater awareness, prevention, and early intervention to improve health outcomes.

The details

A Tennessee nurse, Loretta Plumber, suffered a stroke at the age of 35, just six months after her son was born. She recognized the signs - facial drooping, slurred speech, and left-side paralysis - and called 911. Tennessee had one of the highest increases in strokes among 18-44 year olds, nearly 21% over a 10-year period. Doctors say delays in seeking care are a recurring problem, as younger people may think the symptoms will go away on their own.

  • Over a 10-year period, the CDC data shows a nearly 15% rise in strokes among people ages 18 to 44.
  • Tennessee had one of the highest increases, nearly 21%, over a recent 10-year period.

The players

Loretta Plumber

A 35-year-old emergency room nurse at Saint Francis Hospital in East Memphis who suffered a stroke six months after her son was born.

Becky Mitchell

The director of the Saint Francis Emergency Department and Plumber's supervisor.

Dr. Rhea Rogers

A board-certified physician and co-host of the Aging Untold podcast.

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What they’re saying

“I realized that my entire left side went down. I had the facial drooping, I had my slurred speech, so I sat there and I was like, OK, is this really happening”

— Loretta Plumber, Emergency room nurse (Aging Untold)

“A lot of times there's a delay in care because they may wake up at home and think, this is going to go away. Rather than having that knowledge and education to know that these are signs that you immediately need to seek treatment for, call 911.”

— Becky Mitchell, Director of the Saint Francis Emergency Department (Aging Untold)

“It's a combination — lifestyle, the toxins, environments. It's really chronic inflammation because that causes us to decrease blood flow everywhere and you just start blocking off things.”

— Dr. Rhea Rogers, Board-certified physician and Aging Untold co-host (Aging Untold)

What’s next

Doctors say early recognition and treatment can significantly improve recovery outcomes for stroke patients. Warning signs include facial drooping, arm weakness, and speech difficulties, and they advise calling 911 immediately if these symptoms appear.

The takeaway

The rise in strokes among younger adults is a concerning trend that highlights the need for greater awareness, prevention, and early intervention. Addressing lifestyle factors, chronic inflammation, and improving access to timely medical care can help reduce the burden of stroke, especially for those under 45.