People in West Midlands urged to reduce stroke risk
Stroke cases are on the rise and are affecting young people.
People across the West Midlands have been urged to reduce their stroke risk, as numbers of stroke cases rise across the country.
NHS England data shows young people are not immune from strokes - with 45 hospital admissions for stroke in the West Midlands last year, and just over 400 admissions nationally.
Sarah Adderley from the Midlands Stroke Association said: "It's a common myth this is something that only happens to older people, we do see younger people suffering strokes every day."
"We're predicting that by 2035 we will have seen a 60% increase in the overall numbers of stroke.
The Stroke Association says nine out of ten strokes could be prevented, mainly through adopting a healthier lifestyle.
Ahead of the general election, the Stroke Association has issued a manifesto calling on the next government to:
- Publish a funded stroke prevention plan to "reduce the cost of stroke on the NHS and wider society through early detection and management of the risk factors."
- Make stroke treatment thrombectomy universally available 24/7 to "dramatically improve recovery post-stroke."
- Ensure stroke survivors can access rehabilitation and support.
Ms Adderley said: "We want stroke to be a priority - it's the fourth-biggest killer in the UK, it's the leading cause of disability, but actually it often doesn't get the status it should have."
People are also advised to check for irregular heartbeat (which increases the risk of stroke) by checking their pulse or getting a healthcare professional to check their pulse.