CUT YOUR RISK OF A STROKE... NOW!

Four in ten sufferers are aged between 45 and 65, and the average age is dropping. Dr C says we need to get clued up...

Most of us think M strokes only happen to older people, but one in four sufferers are people of working age. Strokes can happen to anyone of any age, and some of our lifestyle choices aren’t helping us.

There are two types of stroke; one is a bleed, so a burst blood vessel, the other a clot, which is more common in older people.

ASSESS YOUR LIFESTYLE

You can have a genetic predisposition to either type, but lifestyle is far more likely to cause a stroke – a good thing because you can do something about that! High blood pressure, high cholesterol and either type of diabetes ups your risk. If you drink moderately, eat well and keep active, you shouldn’t have high blood pressure or cholesterol.

CURB PAINKILLERS

Recently a link was found between knocking back too many painkillers and risk of strokes. If you take lots of ibuprofen or aspirin, particularly alongside common antidepressants like Prozac, it can increase your risk.

The contraceptive pill can also raise your risk – that’s why your GP asks about your weight and takes your blood pressure before giving you a repeat prescription.

If a close relative has had a stroke, your risk is higher than somebody whose family hasn’t had any strokes. Having said that, if you do have a family history, don’t panic – just concentrate on all the factors you can influence such as your weight, diet, alcohol intake, and smoking. We are more in control of our health than we think; genetics make certain things likelier, not guaranteed.

SPOT THE SIGNS

Another problem is that younger people are less likely to recognise a stroke, or even think they’re having one because they’re young. That’s understandable; it’s not the first thing I’d think, either.

Remember what to look out for using the acronym FAST. F for Face drooping (a lopsided or numb face – check by asking them to smile), A for Arm weakness (they won’t be able to lift up both arms without one drifting down), S for Speech (they will slur their words and be difficult to understand), T for Time to Call 999.

Those are the main signs, but there are others too; confusion, trouble speaking, odd vision, difficulty with balance, numbness or weakness down one side. If you notice any of those, seek immediate help. It may well be something else, but don’t leave it to chance.