High blood pressure is one of the biggest risk factors of stroke. It usually has no symptoms but is a contributing factor in around half of all strokes.

Did you know?

Around 9.5 million people in the UK have diagnosed with high blood pressure. But for every 10 people diagnosed, another seven don't know they have it. That's 5.5 million people living with undiagnosed, untreated high blood pressure in England alone. You can get your blood pressure checked at your GP or local pharmacy.

High blood pressure is preventable, and making small changes to your diet, such as reduce the amount of salt you eat, can help to lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of stroke.

Our new partners, LoSalt®, share some practical tips to help you cut back on salt:

  • Use garlic, chilli, herbs, spices, lemon or lime juice, rather than salt, to season when cooking at home.
  • Choose tinned fish in spring water instead of brine.
  • If you can't avoid using salt in your food, switch to a reduced-sodium salt* such as LoSalt® – this contains 66% less sodium than regular table, sea and rock salts, without compromising on flavour.

* If you take medication that affects potassium levels, for conditions including diabetes, heart or kidney disorders, speak to your GP first to check if reduced-sodium salt alternatives are suitable for you.

Remember:

  • Sea, rock, pink and flavoured salts contain the same amount of sodium as regular table salt. They aren't better for you, so if you have to use them, use them sparingly.
  • Check the nutrition labels on foods like bread, breakfast cereals, soups, ready meals and sauces, as they can often contain a lot of added salt.

Try to cut back on saltier foods like cheese, crisps, salted nuts and processed meats including bacon, ham and sausages.

We've partnered with LoSalt® for a #HealthierUK, to encourage people to lower their risk of stroke. For every promotional tub they sell between July and September, LoSalt® is donating 20p to the Stroke Association to help to rebuild lives after stroke.

Find out more

Read our 'Healthy eating and stroke' and 'High blood pressure and stroke' guides. Or visit LoSalt's website.

Stroke News magazine

This article is featured in the summer 2020 edition of our magazine, Stroke News. Subscribe to our future editions available in print, on audio CD, or via email.