Survey Reports Low Public Awareness And Dangerous Attitudes Towards The Risk Of Stroke, UK

Main Category: Stroke
Article Date: 10 May 2007 - 1:00 PDT

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European Stroke Prevention Day, - that British people are reluctant to reduce their risk of stroke by changing their lifestyles compared with some other European countries1 and that fewer British respondents could describe what a stroke is.1

The Stroke Association is a member of the Stroke Alliance For Europe (SAFE) who conducted the survey which questioned 3,155 people in the UK, Germany, Spain, Italy and the Netherlands and was sponsored by an educational grant from Merck & Co., Inc.

The survey found that British respondents lagged behind the other European countries surveyed with just 64% able to identify that a stroke is a brain attack caused by a clot or bleed in the brain.1 83% of Spanish respondents1 and 77% of Germans1 were able to do so. More than 1 in 10 British people still think that a stroke is linked to the heart.1

Lifestyle is placing many people at risk of stroke. Several factors including diet, lack of exercise, smoking and excessive alcohol intake have been associated with an increased risk of stroke. British respondents were identified as the worst binge drinkers (with 43% admitting to have done so at some point), with only a quarter saying they would reduce their alcohol intake if they knew that it would cut their risk of a stroke.1

Joe Korner, Director of Communications at The Stroke Association, commented: "This survey highlights a worrying lack of understanding about how serious a stroke is amongst the British public and the risks that people are prepared to take with their health."

"Even more worryingly, one in four British people said they would not take regular prescription medicine even if they knew it would reduce their risk of stroke."

More than 130,000 people experience stroke in England and Wales each year,2 leading to more than 67,000 deaths.2 British respondents were more likely to have been diagnosed with hypertension,1 the single biggest risk factor for stroke,3 than any other European country surveyed. Of those respondents who had hypertension more than half (58%) had never discussed their increased risk of stroke with their GP.1

Just over a third of British respondents claimed to exercise three or more times a week.1 Just under one fifth of British people said that despite knowing that exercising could reduce their risk of stroke, this would still not be motivation enough for them to do it.1

British respondents were less likely to smoke compared to their European counterparts. More British respondents (60%) said they did not smoke (compared to 39% of German and 44% of Spanish respondents).1 In addition, British respondents were more likely to give up smoking if they knew it would reduce their risk of stroke in comparison to respondents from other countries (only 11% of British respondents said they would not give up smoking compared to 22% of Germans).1

Commenting on the survey results, Dr Brian Crichton, GP said: 'It is important to encourage patients, especially those with high blood pressure, to embrace lifestyle changes. Combining these changes with regular blood pressure monitoring and effective treatment is crucial to minimising the risk factors for stroke.'

The Stroke Association is the only national charity solely concerned with combating stroke in people of all ages. The charity funds research into prevention, treatment, better methods of rehabilitation and helps stroke patients and their families directly through its community services which include a communication support service, family and carer support service, information services, welfare grants, publications and leaflets. The Stroke Association also campaigns, educates and informs to increase knowledge of stroke at all levels of society acting as a voice for everyone affected by stroke. 2. A stroke is a brain equivalent of a heart attack. A stroke can be diagnosed by using FAST - Facial weakness, Arm weakness, Speech Problems, Test all three. If these symptoms are present call an ambulance straight away. 3. The Stroke Helpline provides information on stroke to the general public and is open between 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday on 0845 3033 100.

References:

1. SAFE. Gambling with Stroke Survey, TNS Market Research 2007
2. Stroke Association, Facts and Figures about Stroke
3. SAFE Website

www.stroke.org

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