Stroke: Risk Factors, Prevention, and Support

Date: May 2, 2023

Author: Zoe Armbrust

152,000 people experience a stroke every day – one every three minutes and 27 seconds. In the UK, stroke is the fourth biggest cause of death, and much more prevalent than many people realise. Of 1.2 million stroke survivors, half are living with disability as a result.

When talking about strokes, it is important to recognise the signs and symptoms, identify risk factors, and be aware of what we can do to prevent them.

What is a stroke?

A stroke usually occurs due to a blockage of blood vessels to the brain (ischemic stroke), though in some cases, it can be caused by bleeding in the brain. These strokes are called haemorrhagic strokes. When blood flow to any part of the brain is interrupted, brain cells will start to die within minutes. The damage or death of these brain cells is called a stroke.

Who is at highest risk of stroke?

Strokes are more common in older people, with the risk of stroke doubling every decade after the age of 55. Men have a 25% higher risk of experiencing a stroke than women, and at a younger age.

Risk factors that increase the likelihood of stroke include smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, and high cholesterol levels. Being overweight or obese also significantly raises the risk of stroke. Other factors that contribute to the risk of stroke include high blood pressure, diabetes, an irregular heartbeat, a hole in the heart, and sickle cell disease. It is essential to receive regular health check-ups from a qualified healthcare professional if you have any of these conditions.

How do I recognise a stroke?

To identify the signs of a stroke, it is important to recognize the acronym FAST.

FAST stands for FACE-ARMS-SPEECH-TIME. This means that you should look out for the following:

FACE: Check if the person can smile and whether their face appears droopy or uneven.

ARMS: See if the person can raise both arms and hold them up.

SPEECH: Listen to the person’s speech and check if they are able to speak clearly and understand you.

TIME: If you notice any of these symptoms, call 999 immediately and state that you suspect the person is having a stroke. Remember to use the acronym FAST to identify the signs of a stroke.

If you suspect someone is having a stroke, taking swift action is crucial. Call 999 right away, even if you are not completely sure or do not see all the signs at once.

Seeking urgent medical help is essential for the highest chance of recovery and could potentially save a life.

Can strokes be prevented?

Up to 80% of all strokes can be prevented, and taking steps to do so has additional health benefits.

By reducing habits that increase the risk of stroke, such as quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake, we can also prevent other common conditions like heart disease and cancer.

Regular, moderate exercise is also a scientifically proven way to reduce the risk of stroke by up to 27%, making it just as important as medication for stroke prevention. Eating more fruits and vegetables is another effective way to reduce the risk of stroke, and there is a clear “dose-related” link between the two – the more you eat, the lower your risk.

What are some of the challenges for stroke survivors?

The effects of a stroke can vary depending on which part of the brain has been affected and how much damage has occurred. Recovery is therefore variable, and half of all stroke survivors have a disability as a direct result of their stroke. Stroke can affect many functions of the body, such as walking, talking, speech, balance, coordination, vision, spatial awareness, swallowing, bladder control, and bowel control.

After experiencing a stroke, many individuals may face long-term challenges and require additional support. While recovery may begin in hospital, it can take several months before the person is deemed well enough to go home. Even after leaving hospital, it is common for individuals to require ongoing support.

This may include adapting their home to accommodate their needs; they may use a wheelchair due to reduced mobility, or require assistance with day-to-day tasks such as washing, dressing, cooking, and getting around.

Coping with life after a stroke can be especially challenging, particularly if the person lives alone. In such cases, there are several options for support, including a family member taking time off work to care for them, moving into a residential care home, or receiving care at home from a live-in carer. The decision on the type of support needed should be made after careful consideration by all parties involved.

It’s important to remember that after a stroke, emotional support is just as crucial as physical support. The person who had the stroke could feel angry, frustrated, and helpless. And if a family member takes on the role of the carer, they may also experience similar emotions.

A stroke is a serious medical event, and survivors will need support both physically and emotionally. While medical advancements are improving recovery rates, the impact on survivors and their loved ones should not be underestimated.

If you are caring for a loved one who has had a stroke, it’s important to be patient and understanding. Remember to seek help when needed – there are many professionals available who can offer guidance and support.

For more information about Stroke Awareness Month visit Stroke Association. To learn about our care packages for stroke patients, click here.

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