Risk factors in young-onset stroke include both traditional and unconventional as well as both chronic and temporal ones. In young patients, unconventional risk factors such as oral contraceptive use, antiphospholipid antibodies, genetic thrombophilia, acute infections, illicit drug use, and migraine may play a greater role than in elderly patients. However, recent large studies have challenged this traditional view suggesting that young adult stroke would occur mostly due to such unconventional risk factors. These studies have shown a high prevalence of in particular modifiable behavioural risk factors, including physical inactivity, high-risk alcohol consumption, and smoking. Since consequences of a young-onset stroke are greater regarding quality-adjusted life and economic impact, detection and treatment of especially modifiable risk factors are of paramount importance. This chapter reviews the burden of both traditional and less well-documented risk factors in young ischaemic stroke patients and discusses their strength of evidence and mechanisms of association.
The Adrenal Gland: Central Relay in Health and Disease