Charity wants action over poverty-stroke link

Published on Thursday 13 August 2009 09:45

PEOPLE living in deprived conditions are three times more likely to die from a stroke, a city-based charity has said.

The Stroke Association in Scotland said social inequalities had to be addressed to turn round the gulf in life expectancy.

Numerous studies over the years have already shown that those in poverty are more likely to suffer a stroke, and now a study has added weight to the risk by saying that those who suffer a stroke are more likely to survive it if they live in a good area.

The charity's director Maddy Halliday said: "These shocking statistics show that you are about three times more likely to die of a stroke if you are poor.

"Decreasing inequalities in our society will also lessen inequalities in health outcomes.

"In the meantime there is so much that everybody can do, whatever their social class, to reduce their risk of stroke.

"Small lifestyle changes such as not smoking, drinking in moderation, improving your diet and being active can help reduce your risk of stroke."