Free information guides covering the information that you need to know about stroke.
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.
Reducing your risk of stroke: information for African and Caribbean people
Resource type: Information leaflet
Publication type: Stroke information
If you are of African or Caribbean origin, you may have a higher risk of stroke than other people in the UK due to health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and sickle cell disease. This guide explains more about your risk of a stroke, and what you can do to reduce your risk.
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.
Ischaemic stroke
An ischaemic stroke happens when a blood clot, or other blockage, cuts off the blood supply to your brain. This is the most common type of stroke.