The Stroke Association has warned of a ‘worrying’ rise in the number of working age men and women having strokes.

Despite the fact that the overall rate of strokes is reducing throughout the UK, there has been an increase in the number of hospital admissions from men aged 40-54 years old.

Experts say that although this is a complex problem with many factors to be considered, unhealthy lifestyles were partly to blame.

Researchers say that strokes should not be considered as a disease of the elderly although the majority of cases occur in people over 65 years.

Experts say that growing obesity levels, sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy diets – all of which raise the risk of blood clots all contribute to the risk.

What is a stroke?

Strokes are caused by blood clots or bleeds to the brain and can lead to long-lasting disability.

What are the symptoms?

FAST is an acronym used as a mnemonic to help detect and enhance responsiveness to stroke victim needs.

The acronym stands for:

  • Facial drooping – has the victim’s face fallen on one side? Can they still smile?
  • Arm weakness – Can they raise both arms and keep them there?
  • Speech difficulties – Is their speech slurred?
  • Time – Time to call 999 if you see any of the above symptoms

 

What else can I do to help myself?

  • Get your blood pressure monitored – high blood pressure increases your risk of stroke
  • Keep an eye on your cholesterol levels – take steps to ensure you have more high density lipoproteins and less low density lipoproteins
  • Stop smoking
  • Manage your weight and avoid diabetes

 

Other lifestyle tips:

  • Keep a check on your weight: reduce refined carbohydrates in the diet such as processed baked goods, sweets, sugary foods, alcohol
  • Avoid fatty processed meats
  • Increase vegetables and salads – aim for at least 5 a day
  • Eat complex carbohydrates rather than refined ones: swop white bread, pasta and rice for their wholemeal versions. Add whole porridge oats and other sources of fibre such as seeds, lentils and legumes into the diet
  • Keep active – make sure you get at least 20 minutes of exercise a day. This doesn’t have to be a class or gym workout – brisk walking is a great cardiovascular exercise
  • Get into the habit of moving around at work during the day rather than sitting at your desk for hours: download Luck’s Yard ChiroMoves App to remind you to get up and stretch (http://www.amazon.co.uk/ChiroMoves-Collection/dp/B00KM2U9VQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1412881156&sr=8-1&keywords=chiromoves+collection)

Jon Barrick, of the Stroke Association, said: “These figures show stroke can no longer be seen as a disease of older people ….. there is an alarming increase in the numbers of people having a stroke in working age”.

For more information on stroke please visit www.stroke.org.uk