Nearly 46 people will have a stroke every day in Scotland \u2013 that’s one person every 32 minutes \u2013 by 20351 unless the public are better informed about the causes of stroke and how to prevent it. <\/p>\n
The Stroke Association is expecting the number of people having a first or second stroke in Scotland to increase to more than 16,500 a year by 2035. Currently, 30 people have a stroke every day in Scotland, which is one person every forty-nine minutes. <\/p>\n
Nine in ten strokes are preventable2 and one of the biggest causes \u2013 causing around half of all strokes \u2013 is high blood pressure. <\/p>\n
This Stroke Prevention Day (29 January), the Stroke Association is urging the public to help protect themselves against stroke by monitoring their blood pressure regularly and taking steps to keep it at a healthy level. This includes eating a healthy diet, not smoking or vaping, getting regular exercise, and not drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. <\/p>\n
Stroke is the third biggest cause of death in Scotland3 and the leading cause of complex adult disability4, which can leave survivors unable to see, speak, move or even swallow. <\/p>\n
The latest Scottish Stroke Statistics<\/a> once again lay out the extent of stroke in Scotland. It devastates lives in all corners of society including increasing incidence of strokes in people of working age (under 65s) over the last 10 years5. <\/p>\n John Watson, Associate Director for the Stroke Association in Scotland, said: <\/strong> <\/p>\n \u201cWhilst we welcome news of a marginal drop in stroke incidence and the death of stroke patients this past year, too many people in Scotland are still having their lives ruined by this condition. <\/p>\n \u201cThe cost of stroke to Scotland is immense, whether it\u2019s to the health and social care system responding to the complex needs of stroke survivors, or in the loss of people\u2019s quality of life and livelihood. <\/p>\n \u201cFor Stroke Prevention Day we are asking all adults to check their blood pressure regularly and find out the causes of high blood pressure, so they can make informed decisions about their health. <\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s a real lack of awareness of how smoking, poor diet, drinking too much alcohol and not getting regular exercise causes high blood pressure and can store up problems for later life.\u201d <\/p>\n High blood pressure often \u2013 but not always – has no symptoms. All adults should have their blood pressure checked at least every five years. Anyone who could be or has been diagnosed with high blood pressure should check it regularly and speak to their GP for advice. <\/p>\n In some cases, high blood pressure may cause symptoms. NHS advice is to speak to your GP if you have symptoms of very high blood pressure such as headaches, blurred or double vision, regular nosebleeds or shortness of breath. <\/p>\n There is information on the causes of high blood pressure at\u202fHigh blood pressure | Stroke Association<\/a>\u202f Some GP practices will provide a blood pressure monitor to take home or they can be bought from pharmacies and other retail outlets for around \u00a320. <\/p>\n The Stroke Association is part of the Our Future Health collaboration between the NHS, public, charity and private sectors to help everyone lead longer and healthier lives. It has already set up more than 100 UK clinics where people can get basic health checks, including nine in central Scotland<\/a>. <\/p>\n Scottish Health Survey data6 show that the risk factors for stroke in adults are showing little sign of abating: <\/p>\n The Stroke Association supports stroke survivors and their families online, by phone and in the community. Find out more at Scotland | Stroke Association<\/a><\/p>\n References<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n
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