Response to simple blood test that can predict strokes

Joe Korner, Director of Communications at The Stroke Association commented:

"This blood test could be another valuable tool which can be used by clinicians to identify an individual's risk of having a stroke.

"However it is high blood pressure which is the single biggest risk factor for stroke, affecting 34% of men and 30% of women. It is vital that people get their blood pressure measured regularly as it usually has no symptoms. 40% of all strokes could be prevented by controlling high blood pressure - as many as 50,000 strokes a year in the UK.

"Every five minutes someone in the UK has a stroke and having your blood pressure measured along with controlling other lifestyle factors such as stopping smoking, exercising and eating healthily which can all contribute to high blood pressure, can help to reduce the risk of stroke."

ENDS
For further information please contact the Media Team at The Stroke Association on 020 7566 1500 or email the Press Office

Notes to editor

1. The findings are published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

2. Each year an estimated 150,000 people in the UK have a stroke. Of all people who suffer from a stroke, about a third are likely to die within the first 10 days, about a third are likely to make a recovery within one month and about a third are likely to be left disabled and needing rehabilitation. Stroke has a greater disability impact than any other medical condition. A quarter of a million people are living with long-term disability as a result of stroke in the UK.

3. The Stroke Association is the only national charity solely concerned with combating stroke in people of all ages. It funds research into prevention, treatment and better methods of rehabilitation and helps stroke patients and their families directly through its community services. These include dysphasia support, family support, information services, welfare grants, publications and leaflets. We also campaign, educate and inform to increase knowledge of stroke at all levels of society and we act as a voice for everyone affected by stroke.

4. A stroke happens when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted. Most strokes occur when a blood clot blocks the flow of blood to the brain. Some strokes are caused by bleeding in or around the brain from a burst blood vessel. When the blood supply is disrupted, parts of the brain become damaged or destroyed. Some strokes are fatal whist others can cause permanent or temporary paralysis to one side of the body and loss of the ability to speak, read or write. Recovery may be slow and can vary from person to person.

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