Clare Hiles
Deputy Head Of Operations
North West
Stroke Helpline 0303 3033 100
stroke.org.uk
Heart Diseaseand Stroke
• Coronary Vascular Disease is the overarching term that
describes a family of diseases sharing a common set of
risk factors.
• Conditions causing, or resulting from, atherosclerosis
(furring or stiffening of the walls of arteries), particularly
coronary heart disease and stroke.
• Cardiovascular Disease Outcome Strategy/Stroke
Strategy
Stroke Helpline 0303 3033 100
stroke.org.uk
Stroke Facts
• Every year, approximately 152,000 people have a stroke in
the United Kingdom
• That is more than one every five minutes
• In 2008, stroke was the fourth largest cause of death in the
UK after heart disease, cancer and respiratory disease
• Stroke is the largest cause of complex disability in adults
Stroke Helpline 0303 3033 100
stroke.org.uk
What is a stroke?
• Damage to part of the brain
• Caused by a problem with its blood supply
• Blood is supplied through arteries
• There is a ‘blockage’ or ‘burst’
• Usually happens quickly and strikes suddenly- brain attack
Stroke Helpline 0303 3033 100
stroke.org.uk
Ischaemic stroke: 69%
Can either be caused by:
• Cerebral Thrombosis when a blood clot forms in
a main artery leading to
the brain
• Cerebral Embolism when a blood clot, or
sometimes a piece of fatty
debris from another part of
the body is carried in the
bloodstream to the brain
Stroke Helpline 0303 3033 100
stroke.org.uk
Haemorrhagic stroke: 19%
• Arteries burst sending
blood rushing out of the
artery
• Blood leaks out into the
brain at high pressure,
the damage caused is
often greater
• The damaged cells can
die: an area of dead cells
is known as an infarct
Stroke Helpline 0303 3033 100
stroke.org.uk
Transient Ischaemic Attack
• Occurs when the brain’s blood supply is briefly interrupted
• Classification: effects last no longer than 24hours from onset
or the symptoms start to resolve within 1–20 minutes
• Very rarely, symptoms of a TIA are due to bleeding
(haemorrhage) in the brain
• The FAST test helps people to quickly recognise the key
symptoms of a TIA or stroke
Stroke Helpline 0303 3033 100
stroke.org.uk
Hypertension
Hormonal
Contraception
& HRT
Smoking
Obesity
Family
History
or
Ethnicity
Heart
Disease
Risk
Factors
Inactivity
Diabetes
Previous Stroke & TIA
Stroke Helpline 0303 3033 100
stroke.org.uk
Age
Binge
Drinking &
Substance
Misuse
Reduce your risk!
Quit Smoking
Check your
blood
pressure
Control your
weight
Exercise
Regularly
Stroke Helpline 0303 3033 100
stroke.org.uk
Watch your
units
Check your pulse
Stroke Association
• The UK’s leading stroke charity.
• We are changing the world for people
affected by stroke.
• HQ in London.
• UK wide – England, Northern Ireland,
Scotland and Wales.
• Directed by a council of (volunteer) Trustees.
• 2012 – new name and a new look.
Stroke Helpline 0303 3033 100
stroke.org.uk
Our vision
We want a world where
there are fewer strokes
and all those touched by
stroke get the help they
need.
Stroke Helpline 0303 3033 100
stroke.org.uk
What do we do
•
•
•
•
•
•
Provide information.
Life After Stroke Services.
Fund research.
Campaign and lobby government.
Share good practice.
Raise awareness.
Stroke Helpline 0303 3033 100
stroke.org.uk
Prevention awareness
campaigns
Stroke Helpline 0303 3033 100
stroke.org.uk
Act FAST
.Facial weakness
C
Arm weakness
Can the person raise
Speech problems
Can the person speak say
Time to call 999
Stroke is a medical
emergency.
If you see any one of these signs,
seek immediate medical attention
Stroke Helpline 0303 3033 100
stroke.org.uk
Other symptoms include:
•Sudden weakness or
numbness on one side of the
body
•Sudden confusion
•Sudden dizziness or
unsteadiness
•Sudden visual problem
•Severe headache