Stroke - don't let it happen to you!

A stroke happens when the normal blood supply to your brain is cut off. If your brain cells do not get a constant supply of oxygen from the blood, they become damaged or die. Damage to these cells can affect your abilities to do, feel, think and remember, depending on which part of the brain is affected by the stroke.

They are more common among those over the age of 55, but can happen at any age.  Strokes are the leading cause of adult disability in the UK, and the third most common cause of death, after cancer and heart disease.

A stroke happens when the normal blood supply to your brain is cut off.  If your brain cells don’t get a constant supply of oxygen from the blood, they become damaged or die. Damage to these cells can affect your abilities to do, feel, think and remember, depending on which part of the brain is affected by the stroke.

Prevention

Get your blood pressure checked regularly. Untreated high blood pressure (hypertension) is the biggest single risk factor for stroke.  Simple lifestyle changes and the right medication can help to reduce your risk.

Smoking

Doubles your chances of having a stroke.  This is because smoking furs up your arteries and affects your blood, making it more likely to clot.  Giving up smoking can be difficult, but help is available. Contact the Smokers Helpline Wales on 0800 169 0 169.

Obesity

If you’re seriously overweight, you’re at greater risk of developing high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes.  These conditions all increase your chances of having a stroke.

Exercise

Helps you to maintain a healthy weight, reduces cholesterol and the risks of developing diabetes, high blood pressure and becoming obese.  Just 30 minutes of exercise that leaves you slightly out of breath, five days a week, is enough to reduce your risk of a stroke.

Healthy eating

Helps you to control your weight and keep your arteries healthy.  Reduce the levels of salt and saturated fat in your diet by eating less processed food.  Eat five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, and choose wholegrain foods which are high in fibre.

Alcohol

Don’t drink more than the recommended limits of alcohol (2-3 units per day maximum for women, and 3-4 units per day maximum for men). Binge drinking causes your blood pressure to shoot up, which seriously increases your risk of having a stroke.

If you would like more information about Stroke, contact the Stroke Association. They offer support to people who have had a stroke and their families by providing information, rehabilitation and support services.

Stroke Helpline: 0845 3033 100

Email: info@stroke.org.uk

Website: The stroke association (external link, English only)

For further information on how to identify the symptoms of a stroke visit Stroke - Act FAST (external link)