Middle-aged men at risk as stroke levels soar in under-65s

The proportion of strokes suffered by people of working age has soared by more than 25% in just seven years.

Statistics from a National Stroke Audit published by the Irish Heart Foundation and the HSE’s National Stroke Programme found there has been a 26% increase in the proportion of strokes among under-65s — the equivalent of more than 300 extra strokes every year.

Although more women die from stroke across all age groups, the figures show that men account for almost three-quarters of strokes across the younger age categories.