It is estimated that 1 out of 6 individuals in England will experience a stroke in their lifetime, and 30% of stroke victims will go on to have a recurrence of stroke. Stroke is the third most common cause of premature mortality in the United Kingdom, accounting for ~32,000 deaths per year in England alone. Data from the Stroke Association indicates that nearly two-thirds of stroke survivors experience disabilities.
The recent statistics indicate that although most of strokes (59%) occur in the elderly, an alarming 38% of strokes occur in individuals aged 40-69 years. The average age at first stroke has substantially dropped from 75 to 73 years for women, and 71 to 68 years and for men in the last 10 years. However, on a positive note, stroke mortality has dropped by 49% in the past 15 years.
To highlight the risk for stroke and emphasise the importance of early treatment, PHE has re-launched the Act FAST stroke campaign. The campaign urges the public to recognise the common signs of stroke in self or others and dial 999 even if they witness 1 of the signs. PHE has also urged individuals aged 40-74 years to National Health Service Health Check for early identification of stroke risk.
