Patient information for keeping a healthy heart

Public Health England launched the Act F.A.S.T campaign to show people how to spot some signs of a stroke. Stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention. If you see any of the signs of stroke you must call 999.

Face - Has it fallen on one side?

Arms - Can they raise them?

Speech - Is it slurred?

Time - If you notice any of these signs dial 999

Unfortunately a stroke or a mini-stroke (known as a transient ischaemic attack [TIA]) could happen to anyone at any time. Most strokes happen when a blood clot blocks the flow of blood to part of the brain.

Blood clots usually form in areas where our arteries have become narrowed or ‘furred’ up by fatty deposits. This increases the risk of them becoming blocked and causing a stroke. However, there are other factors that can speed up this process, or make our blood more likely to clot.

Some risk factors for stroke you can't change, for example your age, your ethnicity, your family history and genetic conditions. Younger people can have strokes too, including children.

One in four strokes in the UK happen in people under the age of 65. Certain medical conditions can increase your risk of stroke which include high blood pressure, diabetes, irregular heart beat (called atrial fibrillation [AF]), and high cholesterol.

The way we live also has a big impact on our risk of stroke. Things like smoking, drinking too much alcohol, being overweight and eating unhealthy foods can damage blood vessels and raise blood pressure, both of which put you at greater risk of having a stroke.

Anyone can have a stroke, but there are some things that increase your risk.

• Some risk factors you can't change, for example your age, your ethnicity, your family history and genetic conditions.
• Certain medical conditions can increase your risk of stroke which include high blood pressure, diabetes, atrial fibrillation (AF), and high cholesterol.
• The way we live has a big impact on our risk of stroke. Things like smoking, drinking too much alcohol, being overweight and eating unhealthy foods can damage your blood vessels, raise your cholesterol, increase your blood pressure and make your blood more likely to clot.

There are lots of simple changes you can make to your lifestyle that can reduce your risk of stroke.

Certain medical conditions can increase your risk of stroke which include high blood pressure, diabetes, atrial fibrillation (AF), and high cholesterol.

The way we live has a big impact on our risk of stroke. Things like smoking, drinking too much alcohol, being overweight and eating unhealthy foods can damage your blood vessels, increase your blood pressure and make your blood more likely to clot.  There are lots of simple changes you can make to your lifestyle that can reduce your risk of stroke.

A transient ischaemic attack or TIA is also known as a mini-stroke. A transient ischaemic attack (TIA) should be treated as an emergency - many people go on to have a full stroke in the days or weeks after. A transient ischaemic attack (TIA) is the same as a stroke, except that the symptoms last for a short amount of time. This is because the blockage that stops the blood getting to your brain is temporary. Although the symptoms may not last long, a TIA is still very serious. It is a sign that there is a problem and you are at risk of having a stroke. Because of this, a TIA is often called a warning stroke. If someone experiences temporary stroke like symptoms, medical advice should be obtained urgently.

STRIKE is a good way to remember how you can prevent a stroke.

ST - Stay aware of the signs and symptoms of stroke/mini stroke (TIA) and what to do if they occur.

RI - Risk factors increase your chances of a stroke. Be aware of them:

•                  High blood pressure

•                  Irregular heartbeat/rhythm

•                  High cholesterol

•                  Family history

•                  Diabetes

•                  Other long-term health conditions

K - Know your numbers; know your pulse: have regular checks of your blood pressure and heart beat/rhythm.

E - Ensure you maintain a healthy lifestyle:

•                  Eat a healthy, balanced diet

•                  Be active

•                  Don’t smoke

•                  Avoid drinking too much alcohol