Larger proportion of strokes in the middle aged

Public Health England (PHE) has relaunched the Act FAST campaign to encourage people to call 999 if they notice even one of the signs of a stroke in themselves, or in others.

New statistics released by PHE show that 57,000 people had their first-time stroke in 2016, with approximately 30 per cent of people who have a stroke expected to experience another stroke. In England, one in six people will have a stroke in their lifetime, and is the third most common cause of premature death, and a leading cause of disability.

While the majority of strokes occur in the older generation, the figures also found that 38 per cent of first time strokes happen in those aged between 40 to 69. The average age for males having a stroke fell from 71 to 68 years and for females, 75 to 73 years between 2007 and 2016.

The Act FAST stroke campaign advises people to look at: Face – has their face fallen on one side?; Arms – can they raise both their arms and keep them there?; Speech – is their speech slurred?; and Time – to call 999. The campaign includes advertising on TV, press, radio, bus interior posters and digital, supporting PR and a social media drive.

Julia Verne, PHE director, said: ”Stroke is still one of the leading causes of death in England. While it’s often associated with older people, the latest research shows that people are having strokes at a younger age. Everyone needs to be aware of the signs. Calling 999 as soon as you see even one of the symptoms develop – in the face, arms and speech – is essential. Speedy treatment will help prevent deaths and disability.”