Stroke Awareness in African-Caribbeans

Did you know that African-Caribbeans are twice as likely to suffer a stroke as Caucasians? They also tend to suffer a first stroke at a younger age and it is more likely to be fatal.

To help bring attention to this major health issue and raise awareness, The Stroke Association has produced four leaflets specifically for the African-Caribbean community on stroke prevention. They include information on healthy eating, high blood pressure and reducing the risk of stroke.

For free copies of the leaflets contact: The Stroke Association, Northampton Resource Centre, 61-69 Derngate, Northampton NN1 1HD or call 01604 623 933.

Studies have shown that African-Caribbeans are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for stroke. Diabetes is also higher amongst African-Caribbeans - another possible cause of stroke - and sickle cell disease is also more common amongst ethnic communities, often resulting in stroke.

Eoin Redahan, a director of The Stroke Association, said, "The high number of strokes in the African-Caribbean community is a worrying problem. These healthcare leaflets have been published to help to prevent future strokes from occurring. They contain valuable information on leading a healthy lifestyle, eating a balanced diet, and watching your blood pressure - all factors which can help reduce the risk of a stroke."

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Notes to editor

1. The leaflets have been supported by a grant from the Department of Health and have been produced as part of The Association's stroke awareness programme for the African-Caribbean community.

2. 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 stroke 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.

3. Stroke is the third biggest killer and the largest single cause of disability in the UK. Around 100,000 people in England and Wales suffer a first stroke each year - about 10,000 are under the age of 55 and 1,000 are under the age of 30. One person every five minutes will suffer a first stroke.

4. The Stroke Association is the only national charity solely concerned with combating stroke. 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 visiting services, dysphasia support, family support, information centres, welfare grants, publications and leaflets.

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