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Young-onset stroke in the UAE: A single-centre retrospective analysis of risk factors and outcomes

Sobia Siddiq1,2, Saryia Adra3,4, Kamel A Samara4,5

  • 1Princess Royal Hospital, University hospital Sussex, NHS foundation, RH16 4EX Haywards Heath, United Kingdom.

Plos One
|August 6, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Young-onset stroke in the UAE affects mostly males, with hypertension and diabetes as key risks. Targeted prevention is crucial to improve outcomes for this growing public health concern.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Young-onset stroke is an increasing public health concern globally.
  • Data on young-onset stroke in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are limited.
  • This study addresses the gap by examining risk factors and outcomes in the UAE.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of young-onset stroke in the UAE.
  • To identify prevalent risk factors and comorbidities associated with stroke in young adults.
  • To analyze clinical outcomes, including mortality and treatment patterns, in this population.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective chart review of 419 patients under 50 years old admitted for stroke between 2016-2022.
  • Data collected included demographics, comorbidities, stroke subtype, management, and outcomes.
  • Statistical analysis was performed using Python-based libraries.

Main Results:

  • The cohort was predominantly male (78.28%) and of South Asian (63.96%) or MENA (19.33%) origin.
  • Ischemic stroke (50.12%) was most common, followed by intracerebral hemorrhage (27.21%).
  • Hypertension (45.45%) and diabetes (24.42%) were prevalent; mortality was 12.68%, linked to coronary artery disease. South Asians had higher rates of large-artery atherosclerosis.

Conclusions:

  • Young-onset stroke in the UAE is associated with a high prevalence of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors.
  • Hypertension and diabetes mellitus are significant concerns in this demographic.
  • Region-specific research and targeted preventive strategies are vital for reducing stroke burden and improving outcomes.
Abstract

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