A worryingly large proportion of UK adults don’t know that high blood pressure is the most likely cause of stroke, according to new statistics from the Stroke Association.
Findings from the leading stroke support charity, collected in December, reveal that 36% of people who have experience of, and therefore a connection, to stroke don’t know that high blood pressure is the biggest risk factor for the condition. Their connection to stroke - either through their own diagnosis or that of a loved one - is likely to increase their knowledge of stroke and its causes.
In addition, the Stroke Association has found that awareness levels are even lower amongst people who don’t have such a connection to stroke, with 43% not knowing that high blood pressure is the leading risk factor for stroke.
The data also found that a surprisingly low number of people with a connection to stroke knew about the condition’s additional risk factors - 85% didn’t identify a poor diet as a major risk factor and 57% didn’t select smoking as a factor most likely to contribute to stroke.
In the UK 1.4 million people are survivors of stroke and someone in the UK has a stroke every five minutes, with high blood pressure accounting for around half of those.
Stroke survivors are frequently left with physical and mental disabilities including paralysis, problems with vision, difficulties swallowing and a struggle to communicate.
Recently marking Stroke Prevention Day, the Stroke Association is encouraging people to have their blood pressure regularly checked.
As well as high blood pressure, risk factors of stroke also include poor diet, lack of exercise and smoking. Those with high blood pressure readings should consult their GP and also consider cutting their stroke risk by reducing salt intake, regularly exercising, reviewing alcohol consumption, and smokers should try to quit.
The charity is also lobbying the Government to prioritise stroke prevention as part of the 10 Year Health Plan for the country. Prompt treatment, such as thrombectomy or thrombolysis, as well as effective recovery can help stroke survivors to live physically and mentally well.
Juliet Bouverie OBE, CEO of the Stroke Association, said:
“Around 100,000 people in the UK have a stroke every year. Worryingly, this has been increasing over the last 20 years, particularly amongst people of working age. The lives of the 90,000 people who survive stroke every year in the UK change in an instant as the condition impacts on their ability to live physically and mentally well.
“It is vital that everyone knows what can cause a stroke, so they can proactively look after their health to reduce the risk. We’re encouraging adults of any age to get their blood pressure checked on a regular basis. This will equip them with knowledge on whether they are at risk of having a stroke so that they can take steps to reduce their chances, if required.”
Whilst people of any age can have a stroke, it is most likely to impact those over the age of 65. Free blood pressure checks are available from the GP, participating pharmacies, and are also part of NHS health checks for those over the age of 40 in England and Wales. Yet recent data from the National Audit Office found that only 44% of eligible adults attended these health checks in the last five years.
David Hargroves, national clinical director for stroke medicine at NHS England, said:
“High blood pressure rarely has noticeable symptoms but if untreated, it significantly increases your risk of stroke. More than four million people are estimated to be living with undetected or untreated hypertension in England, and the only way to find out if your blood pressure is high is to have your blood pressure tested.”
Ian Burdin, 47, had a stroke last July. It was caused by undiagnosed high blood pressure and left him unable to walk. Ian spent over a month in hospital recovering, including gradually reducing the use of a wheelchair or walking stick, which is still an ongoing challenge today.
Ian said:
“I couldn’t believe what was happening to me. In an instant, my life turned upside down, and I felt like everything had to go on hold. The stroke has robbed a lot from me, but one thing it won’t take is my determination.
“I’ve had to rebuild my life since the stroke and adapt to a new way of living. Mentally, I’m prepared for the challenge and I’m doing whatever I can to enjoy life again. I’m slowly phasing back to work, I’ve started going to the gym again, and I recently got a mobility scooter to help me get around.
“It’s sad to think that I was living with high blood pressure without realising it. If only I had known, then maybe I wouldn’t be in this situation. Doctors described my high blood pressure as a ‘ticking time bomb’. That’s why I really want more people to get their blood pressure checked out regularly - it could save your life.”
The Stroke Association supports stroke survivors and their families by phone, at home, and in the community. Find out more at www.stroke.org.uk