Salt study shows south Asian community unconcerned by high stroke risk

A new study from The Stroke Association into salt intake and stroke has highlighted how concern of the UK's third biggest killer remains worryingly low in the South Asian community.

The Stroke Association has worked with the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Ipsos MORI to gauge awareness of the relationship between salt and high blood pressure - a major contributing risk factor for stroke. The survey questioned over 300 Britons of south Asian origin and found that only 19 people (six per cent) knew the maximum recommended salt intake was 6g a day, with a tiny proportion, five per cent, naming stroke as a primary health concern.

High profile members of the south Asian community from public life, television and radio have joined The Stroke Association to warn of the risks of high salt intake to a community more likely to have diabetes and high blood pressure and therefore be at greater risk of stroke.

Surinder Sharma, Director General of Equality and Human Rights at the Department of Health said: "The prevalence of stroke amongst members of the south Asian community is higher than that of the general population, which is why the Stroke Association's study is so important.

He added: "This is about establishing a deeper awareness of high blood pressure and the link between salt intake and stroke. The research shows that only a small number of those questioned were concerned about stroke, we're determined to change that. "

Many south Asians see salt as an important part of their diet. It features prominently in traditional dishes. Over three quarters of those surveyed agreed that most food tastes better with salt added to it and see it as a vital seasoning when cooking.

However, south Asians are also more likely to prepare their food using fresh ingredients rather than buy pre-packaged goods. They could therefore have greater control over their salt intake and take steps to reduce it to the recommended level.

Former 'Coronation Street' star and 'Where the Heart Is' actress Shobna Gulati commented: "Reducing your salt intake when you prepare and eat food is easy to do and can make a real difference to risk factors for stroke like high blood pressure and hypertension. Many people in my community have a greater risk of a stroke than the rest of the population, so anything that can actively reduce this risk and increase awareness of stroke, the UK's leading cause of severe adult disability, is vitally important. I am really pleased to see The Stroke Association drawing attention to this major health issue."

Encouragingly fifty two per cent of those surveyed thought that using substitutes such as 'low-salt' was a good alternative to enhance food when cooking. One in three of those interviewed also recognised that eating healthily and taking exercise can help prevent or lower high blood pressure which could have a positive effect on the incidence of stroke amongst British south Asians.

Nihal Arthanayake of popular Radio 1 DJ duo Bobby and Nihal emphasised that a change in attitude towards salt is needed: "My father died of a heart attack and my mother has diabetes - a risk factor for stroke. I won't let history repeat itself. It doesn't make me any less Asian to watch my diet and control the salt levels in my food" he said.

Commenting on the findings Laura Funnell, Deputy Director of Communications at The Stroke Association stated: "In the midst of intense consumer debate about salt, one message is clear: reducing the levels of salt in your diet can make a difference to your health and ultimately help to reduce your risk of stroke. We are pleased to see that one in four of those asked knew that reducing salt intake could prevent or lower high blood pressure. Now we need to raise awareness further in the south Asian community of the high risk of stroke and how controlling blood pressure can help this."

Outlining ongoing work on stroke at the Department of Health Surinder Sharma concluded: "Professor Roger Boyle has been tasked by the Government to create a stroke strategy by 2007 which will transform services and eliminate inequalities of treatment."

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 survey of 305 Britons of south Asian background, interviewed face-to-face, in-home, throughout Great Britain between 26th January and 5th March 2006, was conducted as part of a research study by Ipsos MORI on behalf of The Stroke Association funded by the Foods Standard Agency. The sample consisted of equal proportions of the three key ethnic groups - Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi.

2. As part of the second phase of its salt public health campaign in 2005, the Food Standards Agency worked in partnership with several key stakeholder organisations, including The Stroke Association - to raise awareness of the potential risks of high salt intake among the most vulnerable communities. These audiences included older people, minority ethnic communities and those already vulnerable to high blood pressure and stroke.

For more details about the FSA's salt campaign, go to: www.salt.gov.uk or www.food.gov.uk. Phase three of the campaign will launch in 2007.

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

4. A stroke is a brain equivalent of a heart attack. A stroke can be diagnosed by using FAST - Facial weakness, Arm weakness, Speech problems, Test all three. If these symptoms are present call an ambulance straight away.

5.The Stroke Helpline provides information on stroke to the general public and is open between 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday on 0845 3033 100

6. Bobby Friction & Nihal can be heard on Radio 1, Wednesday nights 9pm-11pm and from the end of September on Radio 1 on Tuesday nights from 12am-2am.

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