The Stroke Association welcomes 'calls for over 40's to be screened for heart disease'

'Stroke is the UK's 3rd biggest killer and the largest single cause of severe disability in England and Wales. It affects over a quarter of a million people at any one time and costs the economy over £7 billion a year. Yet 40% of strokes are preventable simply by lifestyle changes.

'There have been recent improvements in GPs identifying and advising people who, because they have high blood pressure or cholesterol levels are at increased risk of having a stroke. The proposal to screen people over the age of 40 could help identify those at high risk before they need clinical intervention allowing them to make lifestyle changes to prevent a stroke.

'However, stroke can happen to anyone, at any age. The Government has set a target of reducing the incidence of stroke by 40%. To achieve this the public must be supported in reducing their risk of stroke, saving thousands of lives and reducing disability.'

Call for universal heart checks

For further information please contact the Media Team at The Stroke Association on 020 7566 1500 or email press@stroke.org.uk

back to top|