Four Factors Raise Stroke Risk Among Young Thais
A recent health report highlights four major risk factors driving a rise in stroke cases among Thais aged 18‑55: abdominal obesity, smoking, physical inactivity, and high blood pressure. It notes that stroke risk doubles after age 45 and that over 70% of strokes still occur in those over 65, but younger cases are growing alarmingly. The article urges early detection and lifestyle changes to curb the trend.
The article outlines four key risk factors contributing to increased stroke incidence among Thais aged 18‑55:
1. Abdominal obesity – measured by waist‑to‑hip ratio (≥0.93 for men, ≥0.86 for women) – is linked to a 66% higher stroke risk.
2. Smoking raises heart rate and blood pressure, promoting arterial stiffness and stroke.
3. Physical inactivity – less than 30 minutes of exercise five times a week – correlates with a 48% increased stroke risk (50% for women, 47% for men).
4. High blood pressure, often resulting from the first three factors, raises stroke likelihood by about 47%; medication can cut risk by 30% and mortality by 21%, yet many remain unaware or uncontrolled.
The piece stresses that stroke is not solely an old‑age problem and urges young adults to address these modifiable risks.
