Are You Stressed And A Stroke Risk?

New research from the Stroke Association reveals that 15% people in the UK consider themselves very stressed. This breaks down to almost 20% of women compared with 10% of men.

With many people being of the opinion that stress leads to heart attacks, the risk of a stroke as a result of stress is often ignored by the media and people in general.

Howver, the reality is somewhat different with the Stroke Association warning that, as a result of stress, over seven million British adults could be at risk of stroke. 

The biggest risk factor for stroke is high blood pressure and alongside an unhealthy lifestyle ie bad diet and lack of exercise;  high levels of stress are a key contributor to raising blood pressure. According to the findings of the research, almost a fifth of those surveying a stroke admitted that they undertook no exercise whatsoever, with the same number taking only 30 minutes of exercise once a week.

Middle aged people (45-54 year olds) are increasing their risk of stroke, with over a quarter admitting to never taking any exercise, as well as reporting the highest levels of stress across all age groups in the UK – with almost 50% claiming to be more than ‘moderately stressed’. Worryingly, 40% of the British public are not even aware of the link between exercise and stroke prevention.

The Stroke Association is the only UK wide charity solely concerned with combating stroke in people of all ages.Their study was undertaken in conjunction with Siemens, ahead of the nationwide Stroke for Stroke week. The research was conducted by One Poll in September 2010 and questioned 2,000 participants.

The campaign, now in its fourth year, aims to raise awareness of stroke – the second biggest killer in the UK – by encouraging members of the public to take part in a sponsored 10km row (or more), helping to raise funds for The Stroke Association.

Stroke for Stroke week runs between 24 - 30 January 2011.

Just what is a stroke?

The Stroke Association explains:

A stroke is a brain attack, caused by a bleed or a clot in the brain. A stroke happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off and brain cells are damaged or die.

Every year an estimated 150,000 people in the UK have a stroke.

Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability and second largest killer in the UK.

Of all people who suffer from a stroke, about a third are likely to die within the first 10 days, about a third are likely to make a recovery within one month and about a third are likely to be left disabled and needing rehabilitation.

Over a million people are living with long-term disability as a result of stroke in the UK, costing the wider economy £9 billion annually.

Strokes don't just happen to older people. Even children and babies can have a stroke.

25% of all strokes happen to people of working age.

The Stroke Association says that up to 40% of all strokes can be prevented by watching what you eat, taking regular exercise, stopping smoking, drinking in moderation and watching your blood pressure you can have a positive affect on your stroke risk.

In fact, high blood pressure is the single biggest risk factor for stoke and it is incredibly important for everyone to monitor their blood pressure and take control to keep it at a healthy level. And remember, even if you do lead a healthy lifestyle, you could still have a genetic predisposition to high blood pressure.As a stroke can affect anyone of any age it is vitally important that whatever age you are, you have regular blood pressure checks.

Source: Stroke Association / People Bulletin

Designed, Hosted and Maintained by Union Safety Services