Maddy Halliday: Lifestyle changes will reduce the risk of stroke

Published on Monday 12 January 2009 19:11

STROKE is a brain attack that can happen in an instant to anyone at any age.

Stroke can kill – it is the third largest cause of death in Scotland – or change a person's life forever by causing physical and/or mental disabilities. Stroke is the greatest cause of disability in Scotland. One of the main risk factors for stroke is high blood pressure

A recent National Opinion Poll survey of women in Scotland for the Stroke Association revealed that many are not aware of the importance of maintaining a healthy blood pressure to minimise their risk of stroke.

This is of considerable concern, given that over 8,200 women in Scotland have a stroke each year of which 2,736 will die. Of those who survive, many will be left with significant physical and/or mental disabilities.

It is estimated that up to 40 per cent of all strokes could be prevented by controlling high blood pressure.

The level of blood pressure measures the force of the blood flow, that is pumped by the heart through the body.

It is essential that people are aware of what their blood pressure is to help protect their health and reduce the risk of stroke. Blood pressure can be checked at any local health centre or GP practice and in some community pharmacies.

A normal, healthy adult blood pressure should be around the 140/90 mmHg measure of pressure. If a person's blood pressure is consistently over 140/90 mmHg – or 135/80 mmHg if you have diabetes – they are considered to have high blood pressure, that is known as hypertension.

If someone thinks they have hypertension, they must see their GP immediately. The doctor will provide appropriate support and medication if required.

More than half of women surveyed also revealed they did not know what their blood pressure was and were unaware what a "healthy" reading should be. The survey also found that, of those women being prescribed medication for hypertension, 42 per cent said they did not take it regularly, putting themselves at greater risk of death or disability from stroke.

Healthy living significantly reduces your risk of stroke.

High blood pressure can be caused by smoking, poor diet, too much alcohol and inadequate physical activity. These risk factors are also independent risk factors for stroke and so it is vital that people follow healthy living guidance if they are to maintain healthy blood pressure and reduce their risk of developing more serious medical problems.

This guidance includes:

&149 Don't smoke, as this doubles your risk of stroke. If you need help giving up, see your GP;

&149 Eat five portions of fruit and vegetables a day – more if you can. This can reduce your risk of stroke by a quarter;

&149 Reduce the amount of salt, sugar and fat you eat. Read the labels on the food you buy;

&149 Drink alcohol in moderation and have some alcohol-free days each week. Too much alcohol can raise your blood pressure;

&#149 Take 30 minutes of moderate physical activity at least five days a week and this will reduce your risk of both high blood pressure and stroke.

Our survey, which included women across the UK including Scotland, showed that 83 per cent of women surveyed did not know that lack of exercise increases the risk of stroke, 72 per cent did not recognise that a poor diet is a risk factor for stroke and 71 per cent were unaware that alcohol also increases the risk of stroke.

These findings show that women's awareness of stroke, high blood pressure and related risk and protective factors are very low.

Increasing awareness among women is particularly important – both to protect their own health and that of others, as women are key health promoters amongst their families and friends.

The Stroke Association campaigns for increased awareness of stroke and supports action to promote healthy living and reduce people's risk of stroke.

&#149 For more information, log on to www.stroke.org.uk

&#149 Maddy Halliday is director Scotland of the Stroke Association.