New Guidelines for Stroke Prevention

In late 2024, the American Stroke Association released updated guidelines emphasizing lifestyle modifications to reduce stroke risk. These include adopting a Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and olive oil, engaging in regular physical activity, and considering new weight-loss medications for individuals with obesity or diabetes. The guidelines also highlight the importance of addressing social determinants of health, such as economic stability and access to healthcare.  

(AP news)

Ambulance crews in Cambridgeshire, UK, are trialing finger-prick blood tests to rapidly diagnose large vessel occlusions (LVO), a severe type of stroke. These tests can provide results within 15 minutes, potentially doubling the effectiveness of symptom-based diagnoses alone. Early identification of LVO strokes is vital, as timely treatment can significantly improve recovery outcomes.  

(The Guardian)

Recognising Stroke Symptoms:

Prompt recognition of stroke symptoms can save lives and improve recovery outcomes. The “FAST” acronym is a helpful tool:

• Face Drooping: Does one side of the face droop, or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the smile uneven?

• Arm Weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

• Speech Difficulty: Is speech slurred or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence.

• Time to Call Emergency Services: If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if they go away, call emergency services immediately.

Staying informed about stroke symptoms, prevention strategies, and the latest advancements in treatment can significantly impact outcomes for individuals at risk.

Stroke remains a significant health concern in the UK, with approximately 100,000 incidents occurring annually—equating to one stroke every five minutes. It stands as the fourth leading cause of death, accounting for around 38,000 fatalities each year.  

(House of Commons Library)

The prevalence of stroke survivors has been on the rise, with current estimates indicating about 1.4 million individuals living with the effects of a stroke.  This increase is partly due to advancements in acute care and rehabilitation services, leading to improved survival rates. 

(Brain Research UK)

However, the burden of stroke is projected to grow substantially. By 2035, the number of annual stroke cases is expected to surge by over 50%, reaching approximately 151,000 cases per year. This escalation could result in an estimated 2.1 million stroke survivors and impose a financial strain of £75 billion on the NHS and the broader economy.  

(Stroke Association)

Hospital admissions due to stroke have also seen a notable increase, rising by 28% since 2004. This trend underscores the growing impact of stroke on the healthcare system and highlights the importance of timely intervention. The NHS emphasizes the critical nature of recognizing stroke symptoms early and acting promptly by calling 999 at the first signs.   

(NHS England, the guardian)

In terms of mortality, the rate from strokes in the UK was reported at 51 deaths per 100,000 population in 2022.  Gender disparities are evident, with over 3,800 women aged 85 and over succumbing to strokes in England and Wales in 2022, compared to 2,000 men in the same age group. 

(Statista)

Given these statistics, the NHS continues to advocate for public awareness campaigns like ‘Act FAST’ to educate individuals on recognizing stroke symptoms and the importance of immediate medical attention. Additionally, addressing risk factors such as high blood pressure, which many remain unaware of, is crucial in reducing the incidence of stroke. 

(Scottish sun)