People from socially deprived communities are around three times more likely to die from a stroke

Statistics included in a new publication reveal that people living in deprived areas are around three times more likely to die from a stroke than those in the least deprived. The findings released by The Stroke Association and British Heart Foundation, show that death rates from stroke vary among areas of different social and economic conditions. 

The statistics have been published as part of British Heart Foundation’s Heart Statistics series. The Stroke Association and British Heart Foundation have been working together to produce this report which is the first comprehensive collection of national statistics regarding the burden of stroke to the UK.

The stroke mortality rate for men and women of working age (under 65) has fallen consistently since the late 1970s. However the rate has fallen quicker in adults of higher social classes, resulting in an increase in inequalities in stroke death rates.

The social gradient in stroke deaths is clearly demonstrated when mortality rates from areas of differing deprivation are compared. The data shows that stroke mortality increases with deprivation for both men and women. For premature mortality, the rate in the most deprived twentieth of England and Wales is over three and a half times higher for men, and over two and a half times higher for women.

The statistics also show that people from lower social economic backgrounds are more likely to face major risk factors of stroke.

For example, cigarette smoking is more prevalent among manual social groups and people from households with lower incomes are more likely to be obese. However, it is not just people from lower income households who are at risk of stroke. This document shows that people in managerial and professional jobs are more likely to binge drink and drink alcohol on five or more days a week. People who regularly consume a large amount of alcohol have a three-fold risk of stroke.

Joe Korner, Director of Communications at The Stroke Association said: “We have known for some time that social deprivation increases people’s risk of stroke. These shocking statistics show that you are about three times more likely to die of a stroke if you are poor. Decreasing inequalities in our society will also lessen inequalities in health outcomes. In the meantime there is so much that everyone can do, whatever their social class, to reduce their risk of stroke. Over 40% of strokes can be prevented through the control of high blood pressure. Small lifestyle changes, such as not smoking, drinking in moderation, improving your diet and being active can help reduce your risk of stroke. “

Professor Peter Weissberg, Medical Director at the British Heart Foundation said: "The picture these data on stroke present strongly mirror figures for heart disease, which is also much more common in deprived communities. Many of the risk factors for heart disease and stroke, such as smoking and high blood pressure, are the same and potentially modifiable. The statistics argue for a concerted effort to identify and modify risk factors, by lifestyle and drug interventions, in those communities with the highest risks. We don’t underestimate the challenge this poses, but success will save the lives of thousands of people and prevent disability in many more."

ENDS

For further information please contact the Media Team at The Stroke Association on 020 7566 1500. 

The report and statistics can be downloaded from www.heartstats.org.

Notes to editor

The Stroke Association is the only UK 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 communications support, family and carer 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.

A stroke is a brain attack which causes brain damage.  A stroke can be diagnosed by using FAST – Facial weakness, Arm weakness, Speech problems, Time to call 999.  If any of these symptoms are present call an ambulance straight away.

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

Notes to editors, British Heart Foundation:

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) is the nation’s heart charity, dedicated to saving lives through pioneering research, patient care, campaigning for change and by providing vital information. But we urgently need help. We rely on donations of time and money to continue our life-saving work. Because together we can beat heart disease. For more information on the BHF, visit bhf.org.uk/pressoffice

About stroke:

A stroke happens when the blood supply to part of 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 disabilities such as 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.

Strokes can be prevented through lifestyle factors such as a healthy diet - particularly reducing salt intake, drinking alcohol in moderation, not smoking and taking regular exercise

Stroke statistics:

• Each year in the UK an estimated 111,000 people will have a first stroke.
• Stroke is the third biggest killer and the leading cause of disability.
• 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.

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