Cori Broadus, daughter of American rapper and actor Snoop Dogg, has suffered a “severe stroke” at age 24.
Broadus, also a singer, revealed she had experienced the health scare in an Instagram story post to her more than 650,000 followers on Thursday.
I’m only 24. What did I do in my past to deserve all of this? -Cori
Alongside a photo of what appeared to be her lying in a hospital bed, Broadus wrote: “I had a severe stroke this am. I started breaking down crying when they told me.”
The singer was diagnosed with lupus at age 6 and had previously revealed that she had adopted a more holistic approach to her health.
In a follow-up post, she could be seen wearing a pink fluffy hoodie and a blue face mask – but her facial features were blocked by text which read: “Like I’m only 24. What did I do in my past to deserve all of this.”
US rapper Snoop Dogg, real name Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr, shares Cori with his wife Shante.
Since 2005, the chances of having a stroke have increased 50% worldwide, according to the World Health Organization; while another report, by the World Stroke Organization, states there are upwards of 12 million “new” strokes every year.
All told, the data suggest that approximately one-in-four people globally can be expected to have a stroke during their lifetime.
According to experts, 10 to 15 percent of all strokes are occurring in younger people and that number has been rising over recent years.
They note that young onset stroke is when strokes occur in people under 50.
According to the Journal of the American Heart Association, along with the burden on health, there is a significant financial burden for young patients and their family members.
young onset stroke is when strokes occur in people under age 50
The National Stroke Association warns that younger [stroke] patients will likely live longer with the physical and sometimes mental disability, which may lead to a greater loss in salary earning capabilities over time.
Reasons for rising stroke in young adults
Some factors have been associated with the rise of stroke in young adults, such as an increased risk of traditional vascular risk factors like:
- High blood pressure
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Recreational drug use
- Alcohol use with or without heart infection,
- Tendency to develop blood clots
- Cervical artery tear
- Abnormal growth in the artery wall in some individuals
- Cerebral vein clots
- Abnormal heart rhythm
- Inflammation of the arteries
- Pregnancy
- Combination of smoking and oral contraceptive in women
- Lack of exercise
- Too much salt or fat in diet.
Stroke symptoms
Symptoms of stroke in all ages include:
- Sudden onset of weakness or numbness of face, arm, or leg
- Confusion or speech difficulties
- Poor vision in one or both eyes
- Trouble with walking or coordination
- Severe headache.
“Fast treatment brings better recovery,” experts warn; adding, “People experiencing any of the symptoms of stroke should be taken for treatment at the nearest certified stroke centre.”
People experiencing any of the symptoms of stroke should be taken for treatment at the nearest certified stroke centre
Stroke and disability
According to the Journal of American Heart Association, stroke is the second leading cause of death and the third leading cause of disability worldwide, following heart disease.
There are two types of strokes: ischemic and hemorrhagic. An ischemic stroke results from blood vessel blockage (the most common type). A transient ischemic stroke (TIA) is a type of stroke that can last a few minutes to several hours.
The second type, hemorrhagic stroke, is caused when a blood vessel leaks. Strokes occur worldwide and can affect populations of any age, from babies in the womb up until the end of life, and the effects of stroke can lead to permanent disability.
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Stroke can be prevented
Experts say while it is important to know the signs of stroke (drooping face, slurred speech, trouble walking, numbness in the face, arm or legs) and seek immediate medical attention for the best outcomes, it’s also important to know that stroke can be prevented.
“Understanding how to prevent a stroke starts with understanding what a stroke is,” experts say; adding, “A transient ischemic attack, or stroke, is an injury to the brain that can happen for a variety of reasons.
Physician Kristie Leong says research shows that 80% of strokes are preventable.
“One small step is to ensure you’re getting enough potassium in your diet. Potassium helps lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels and is instrumental in stroke prevention,” she stated.
Medications are sometimes helpful in reducing the risk of stroke, but unblocking the narrowed artery is the most definitive treatment, experts say.
Common risk factors for stroke that can be controlled or treated include high LDL cholesterol levels, low HDL cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, physical inactivity, and being overweight or obese.
Strokes are not always preventable, but if you know you are at risk for a stroke, contact your healthcare provider and get evaluated; it could save your life.
