Response to deaths from heart disease down by 35 per cent

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

"Whilst death rates from stroke are falling, this is at a much slower rate than heart disease, and stroke still remains the leading cause of adult disability.

"Stroke continues to be given a lower priority in the public health agenda than heart disease and cancer. For example a stroke consultant will have an average of 640 patients compared to a heart consultant who will see just 360.

"The development of a new stroke strategy is very encouraging. However vital action is needed now to save lives and improve outcomes for the estimated 150,000 people that have a stroke in the UK each year."

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. Read the report. The coronary heart disease national service framework: Shaping the future - progress report for 2006

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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