In particular, the CDC found that the stroke rate among adults aged 35 to 44 escalated by 30 per cent during the same period.
Dr Omoye Imoisili, an internal medicine specialist and lead author of the CDC study, emphasises that the rise in stroke cases among younger adults leads to extended rehabilitation and significant lifestyle changes.
High blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol and physical inactivity are common risk factors for stroke.
The Lancet study identifies high blood pressure as the single largest risk factor, contributing to over 50 per cent of all cases of stroke globally. Fortunately, it is also one of the most manageable risk factors.
A study in Jama Network Open found that over half of Americans with high blood pressure are unaware of their condition, including 93 per cent of those aged 18 to 44.
High blood pressure is often called a 'silent killer,' as many people have no symptoms until it's too late.
Dr Valery Feigin, a stroke researcher at the University of Auckland, New Zealand, and co-author of the Lancet study, explains that even mild elevations in blood pressure increase stroke risk.
"Every small reduction in blood pressure at the population level could reduce stroke incidence by about 10 per cent," he adds.
In Kenya, lifestyle factors are playing an increasingly significant role in stroke prevalence. Limited healthcare resources, combined with a rise in obesity and diabetes, mean more Kenyans are at risk.
Many may not realise that lifestyle changes, such as increasing physical activity and improving diet, can reduce their risk of stroke.
Additionally, high blood pressure is frequently undiagnosed due to lack of routine health check-ups.
While more people are surviving strokes thanks to improved medical treatments, the burden on younger stroke survivors is growing. They often face years of therapy and lifestyle adjustments.
However, strokes are largely preventable through lifestyle changes. Reducing blood pressure alone could make a substantial difference in Kenya's stroke rates.
Kenya's rising rates of stroke in younger adults highlight the urgent need for better prevention and awareness efforts.
Monitoring blood pressure, staying active, and making dietary changes are key steps that everyone can take to reduce the risk.