Nine in Ten Strokes Are Preventable: How to Reduce Your Risk
New projections from the Stroke Association reveal a stark warning for public health in the United Kingdom. The charity estimates that by 2035, the number of strokes could surge by almost 42 per cent, reaching more than 151,000 incidents annually. This equates to a worrying 414 people suffering a stroke every day, a sharp increase from the current figure of around 280 daily cases.
"Some members of the public think that strokes are an inevitable consequence of older age, but that's absolutely not the case," says Alexis Kolodziej, deputy CEO and executive director of influencing and research at the Stroke Association. "Nine in 10 strokes are preventable."
Understanding the Risk Factors
While age remains the primary uncontrollable risk factor, with most strokes occurring in people over 70, experts are witnessing a concerning trend. The rate of incidence is rising faster in younger people than in older demographics, leading to more strokes in individuals under 55, largely attributed to lifestyle factors.
High blood pressure plays a significant role, contributing to about half of all strokes. "High blood pressure puts more pressure on the arteries all over your body, but specifically in your brain, that can cause a bleed," explains Kolodziej. This can lead to either a hemorrhagic stroke from a ruptured vessel or an ischemic stroke caused by a clot blocking blood flow to the brain.
Seven Actionable Steps to Lower Your Stroke Risk
Here are seven practical measures you can take at any age to significantly reduce your likelihood of experiencing a stroke:
- Monitor Your Blood Pressure Regularly
Kolodziej emphasises that it's never too early to start checking your blood pressure. You can have this done at your GP surgery, most pharmacies, or even at supermarket blood pressure machines. Home monitoring kits have also become more affordable and accessible. The NHS generally defines high blood pressure as a consistent reading of 140/90 or higher.
- Book an NHS Health Check
Described as one of the most effective UK initiatives for stroke prevention, the NHS Health Check is available to those aged 40 to 74 without pre-existing conditions. You should receive an invitation from your GP or local council every five years. The check includes a crucial blood pressure assessment among other screenings.
- Stay Physically Active
Exercise promotes healthy blood flow, which keeps arteries healthy and reduces the risk of clots or ruptures. You don't need to be super active; even daily walks or gardening can make a meaningful difference to your stroke risk.
- Be Mindful of Salt Intake
Excessive salt consumption is detrimental to blood pressure. Be vigilant with food packaging, using the traffic light system to avoid products marked red for salt. Processed foods, soups, and cooked meats often contain hidden high levels of salt.
- Quit Smoking
Smoking introduces toxins that clog arteries, dramatically increasing stroke risk. The good news is that your risk begins to decrease as soon as you quit, with significant reduction within five years of stopping.
- Avoid Binge Drinking and Recreational Drugs
Alcohol, particularly in excessive amounts, can elevate stroke risk. Stay within recommended limits and avoid binge drinking. Similarly, virtually all recreational drugs raise the likelihood of having a stroke.
- Monitor Heart Conditions Like Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation (AF), a heart rhythm disorder, makes you five times more likely to have a stroke. Often asymptomatic, it can be detected through manual pulse checks. If diagnosed, treatment with oral anticoagulants can significantly reduce stroke risk.
"If you take action on blood pressure, follow healthy living advice and make sure that heart conditions are picked up and monitored, all these things can have a significant positive impact on your stroke risk," Kolodziej concludes. With proactive measures, the projected rise in strokes across the UK can be countered through individual and collective health awareness.
