PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — When blood supply to the brain is blocked, it can lead to a brain attack or stroke. Blood carries oxygen — and without oxygen, the brain can die.
A blood vessel can rupture. Or a clot can block blood flow. Strokes occur predominantly in older people, but over the past decade the number of people between the ages of 45 to 64 having a stroke has increased by more than 15%. According to the CDC, there has been an increase of 14% in people between the ages of 18 and 44.
Research has shown a link to rising rates of high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity in younger people.
Get more medical reports from Dr. Brian McDonough.
KYW Newsradio's Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.
