Long-haul flying and the risk of stroke

Following reports that long-haul flights may cause stroke, The Stroke Association offers the following advice:

It is important for people to get up and move around on a regular basis during the flight. This gives the blood a chance to flow around the body. When blood slows down it may form a clot in the legs. The charity also advises people to drink lots of water as this helps prevent the body from becoming dehydrated.

Some may want to take an aspirin before flying because it is known that aspirin helps to reduce the stickiness of the blood cells which can lead to blood clots. However those with high blood pressure or other medical conditions should talk to the pharmacist or their GP about this first.

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Notes to editor

Notes for Editors

· When a stroke occurs part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or destroyed. It takes place either when a blood clot forms in a damaged vessel and blocks the flow of blood to the brain, or when a damaged vessel in the brain bursts.
· Every year 10,000 people under the age of 55 have a stroke.
· Stroke is the single biggest cause of serious disability with a total of 300,000 people are affected at any one time.

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