Stroke
Every year, over 150,000 people in the UK have a stroke. Most people affected are over 65, but anyone can have a stroke, even children and babies. The risk of stroke doubles with each decade after the age of 55, but the foundations are laid down earlier in life.
A stroke is the third most common cause of death in the UK. It is also the single most common cause of severe disability. More than 250,000 people live with disabilities causes by stroke.
What is a stroke?
The Stroke Association describes a stroke as a brain attack that happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off. Blood carries essential nutrients and oxygen to the brain, without a blood supply brain cells can be damaged or destroyed affecting physical body functions, often including walking and talking.
There are two main causes of stroke:
- Ischaemic stroke - a blockage
The most common type of stroke is called an ischaemic stroke caused by a blockage. This happens when a blood clot blocks an artery carrying blood to the brain.
Ischaemic stroke accounts for around 80% of cases.
- Haemorrhagic stroke - a bleed
The second type of stroke is a haemorrhagic stroke caused by a bleed. This happens when a blood vessel bursts causing bleeding into the brain.
Haemorrhagic stroke accounts for around 20% of cases.
Reducing the risks
Some risk factors can't be changed - like genetics or age. However, lifestyle changes may prevent strokes.
- Healthy eating and maintaining a healthy weight
- Eat five portions of fruit and vegetables a day - a portion is 80 grams or 3 ounces
- Limit fat intake - choose low-fat proteins such as poultry and fish
- Reduce salt intake - salt raises blood pressure
- Eat more fibre - helps control blood fat levels
Other key risk factors
- Stopping smoking - smoking doubles the risk of stroke.
- Drinking alcohol sensibly - too much alcohol raises blood pressure. Binge drinking - more than six alcohol units in six hours - can cause blood pressure to soar
- Get blood pressure checked - healthy adult blood pressure is less than 140/90mmHg
- Tackle stress and depression - these can cause long-term physical health problems
- Ensure other medical conditions are controlled - most commonly heart disease, high cholesterol and diabetes
- Regular exercise - 30 minutes of physical activity five times a week - lowers blood pressure
- Check any hormone treatments - such as the combined contraceptive pill and hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
- Avoiding use of cocaine and taking other street drugs such as heroin intravenously
Fruit and vegetables reduce stroke risk
Exceeding the recommended minimum five portions of fruit and vegetables a day can reduce stroke risk according to research published in The Lancet (1) medical journal in 2006. Exceeding the five portions cut stoke risk by 26%, while having five portions a day cuts the risk by11%. On average Britons eat just three portions a day.
What constitutes a portion?
- One apple, pear, banana or similar sized fruit
- One slice (two-inch) of a large fruit such as melon, pineapple or mango
- A glass of 100% pure fruit juice (150ml)
- One heaped tablespoon of dried fruit such as raisins or dried apricots
- A dessert bowl of salad
- Three heaped tablespoons of cooked vegetables
- Three tablespoons of beans or pulses
- A tea-cup sized portion of grapes or berries
Gender
Men often suffer strokes earlier in life than women, but the risk for women increases as they approach menopause and continues to rise as they get older because of the loss of the hormone oestrogen.
The financial cost of stroke
Apart from the obvious terrible human cost of stroke there are huge financial implications for the UK. A report from the National Audit Office - responsible for scrutinising public spending on behalf of Parliament - published in spring 2006 has demonstrated that stroke is the most expensive illness in England. It costs the NHS £2.8 billion per year in direct care costs.
Reducing Brain Damage: Faster Access to Better Stroke Care has identified a number of recommendations. The National Audit Office state that much more could be done to both prevent stroke and better manage those who suffer an attack.
Reducing Brain Damage: Faster Access to Better Stroke Care can be found at http://www.nao.org.uk/publications
New national stroke strategy
The Department of Health has announced a programme of action to improve stroke prevention, treatment and care. The White Paper Our Health, Our Care, Our Say published in January 2006 outlines more integrated community services.
For further information email: mb-stroke-ideas@dh.gsi.gov.uk or consult the website at www.dh.gov.uk/stroke
UK Stroke Forum
The UK Stroke Forum was launched in the spring of 2006 to promote multidisciplinary research and education for all healthcare professionals working in the field of stroke. The website http://www.ukstrokeforum.org/ provides information on the 20 coalition organisations that have joined forces to become UK Stroke Forum and has key topics for discussion.
Useful links
Visit Stroke Association at www.stroke.org.uk/
Visit UK Stroke Forum at http://www.ukstrokeforum.org/
References
1. The Lancet (this is a subscription journal) This research appeared on 27 January 2006.
http://www.thelancet.com/