KUSA - People who survive a stroke at a young age are more likely to die within the next 20 years than the general population.
Ten percent of stroke patients are under the age of 50, but there's been little data available on their lifelong prognosis.
A Dutch study tracked the long-term mortality of adults who survived a stroke between the ages of 18 and 50.
Twenty percent died within a decade of their stroke - a significantly higher death rate than the average population.
Researchers believe vascular disease that causes stroke at a young age continues to affect these patients throughout their lives.
Men were more likely to die within 20 years of a young stroke than women.
(Copyright © 2013 NBC Universal, All Rights Reserved)