Response to the updated NICE guidelines on tackling hypertension in England and Wales

Dr Isabel Lee, Research Liaison Officer at The Stroke Association comments: "It is encouraging that research into the management of high blood pressure is under constant review, which has led to an update of the guidelines ahead of the planned review date.

"High blood pressure is the single biggest risk factor for stroke and with 50% of all ischaemic strokes being attributable to high blood pressure, we welcome these new recommendations.

"Each year an estimated 150,000 people in the UK have a stroke and controlling your blood pressure along with making simple lifestyle changes such as stopping smoking and eating healthily, can reduce your risk of having a 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. 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.

2. The Stroke Association is the only national charity solely concerned with combatting 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.

3. 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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