Preventing a stroke

Every year, an estimated 150,000 people in the UK have a stroke. That’s one person every five minutes. Most people affected are over 65, but anyone can have a stroke, including children and even babies.

Some people are more at risk of stroke than others. Some factors can't be changed - like your genes or your age. However, simple lifestyle changes may prevent a stroke from happening.

If you have already had a stroke, simple lifestyle changes may help to prevent you from having another.

The consequences of stroke are serious and can be fatal. Stroke is a leading cause of severe adult disability.

Is it worth the risk?

This section of the website provides information about preventing strokes.

In this section
Why a stroke happens
Smoking
Drinking alcohol
Healthy eating
Exercise
Steps to reduce your risk
What you can't change
Stopping stroke happening again

Download Stroke prevention leaflet - Preventing a stroke (503 kb)
Order printed copies of Stroke prevention leaflet

Preventing a Stroke has now been translated into five South Asian languages: Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu. Find out more and downlaod PDFs of the leaflets

Download our factsheets 

Other useful information
The Stroke Association
What is a stroke?
When a stroke happens
After a stroke
Stroke rehabilitation


A-Z list of all leaflets and factsheets

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