EXAMINING THE SURGE IN STROKE AND HEART DISEASE CASES AMONG THE YOUNGER GENERATION

Abstract

This study aims to examine the increase in stroke and heart disease cases among people of productive age, identify the risk factors that contribute to this phenomenon, and provide insights to build greater awareness and promote much-needed prevention strategies to protect the future of the nation's next generation from cardiovascular disease. In recent years, there has been an increase in cases of stroke and heart disease worldwide, even in Indonesia, among the younger generation, whereas previously these diseases were predominantly found in the elderly. Various global and national data show that people aged 18 to 45 are increasingly vulnerable to cardiovascular disease, in line with changes in modern lifestyles. Contributing risk factors include non-modifiable factors, such as age, gender, and heredity, as well as modifiable factors, such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, smoking, lack of physical activity, obesity, and stress. The impact of stroke and heart disease in young people is not only clinical, but also affects the quality of life, productivity, and socioeconomic conditions of sufferers. Therefore, prevention and early detection efforts through the implementation of healthy lifestyles, risk factor control, and routine health screening are important steps to reduce the surge in cases and maintain the health of the younger generation in the future. The methodology used in writing this article is a qualitative study using critical literature review techniques and comprehensive secondary data analysis with a qualitative analytical-descriptive approach. This methodology is designed to achieve maximum understanding of the phenomenon of the surge in stroke and heart disease cases among the younger generation.