A stroke is a serious medical condition that happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off, causing damage to the brain. This can affect how the body works and change how people think and feel. The effects of a stroke depend on where it takes place in the brain, and how big the damaged area is.
Stroke can be life-changing. A stroke can happen to anyone at any age, but there are some things that can increase your risk of a stroke such as your age, existing medical conditions, lifestyle factors, family history, and ethnicity.
Risk factors for stroke
To find out if you are at risk of developing a stroke and learn how to reduce your risk, visit the Stroke Association’s website here.
You can also visit the NHS Stroke page to learn more about what a stroke is, what the symptoms and causes are and what you can do to prevent a stroke.
- High blood pressure is the biggest risk factor for stroke. It is important to have your blood pressure checked regularly and see your GP if it is high. To understand more, read this leaflet on high blood pressure and stroke from the Stroke Association.
- Get your blood pressure checked at your local pharmacy. To find a pharmacy that offers blood pressure checks, visit the NHS website here
- Having an irregular pulse, known as Atrial Fibrillation (AF), can increase your risk of developing a stroke. Learn how to check your own pulse using the video on the British Heart Foundation’s website.
- Find out more information about an irregular pulse, known as Atrial Fibrillation (AF) here.
- Migraine affects people of all ages. The causes of migraine and stroke are different, but if you have migraine with aura you may have a slightly increased risk of stroke. Find out more about migraine and stroke on the Stroke's Association's website.
- Diabetes almost doubles your risk of stroke. If you have diabetes, it is important that it's treated and well controlled. You can learn more about your risk of Type 2 diabetes on the diabetes page of our website.
- Read the Stroke Association's leaflet on Diabetes and Stroke.
Recognising a stroke
Stroke is a medical emergency. It is vital to know how to spot the signs of a stroke in yourself or someone else.
The FAST acronym (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) is a test to quickly identify if someone is having a stroke. Watch the video below to learn how to do the FAST test. Read more about the FAST test and other symptoms of stroke that you should take seriously on the Stroke Association's website.
Information for carers
If you are supporting or caring for someone who has had a stroke, you can find useful information and support in this guide from the Stroke Association: A carer's guide to Stroke