High blood pressure
High blood pressure is one of the biggest risk factors for stroke. It is a contributing factor in around half of all strokes.
Women and stroke
Resource type: Information leaflet
Publication type: Stroke information
This guide explains some of the risk factors for stroke that only affect women, and offers other sources of information and support that you may find useful.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) and stroke
Resource type: Information leaflet
Publication type: Stroke information
People with a type of irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation (AF) are five times more likely to have a stroke. This guide explains what AF is diagnosed, how it increases your risk of stroke and how it is treated.
Smoking and the risk of stroke
Resource type: Information leaflet
Publication type: Stroke information
Smoking doubles your risk of death from stroke, so quitting is one of the best things you can do to reduce your risk. This guide explains the link between smoking and stroke, and what support is available to help you stop.
Alcohol and stroke
Resource type: Information leaflet
Publication type: Stroke information
Regularly drinking too much alcohol raises your risk of a stroke, so it's important that you don't regularly drink more than the recommended limit. This guide explains the link between alcohol and stroke and offers some useful tips for cutting down.
Blood-thinning medication and stroke
Resource type: Information leaflet
Publication type: Stroke information
You might be prescribed blood-thinning medication to reduce your risk of a TIA or stroke. This guide explains the two types of blood-thinning medication available, antiplatelets and anticoagulants, and how they are used after a stroke or for someone with atrial fibrillation.
Atrial Fibrillation: information and resources
Information about atrial fibrillation for healthcare and other professionals.