Posted by Keri Hartwright Last updated 30th March 2021 reading time
Strokes are caused by a blood clot in the brain and they can have devastating consequences for the person who is affected by them.
Recognising the signs and symptoms is vital for reducing the long term effects that it can have on your relative, friend, or colleague.
Who is most at risk?
Strokes can affect anyone of any age and there are certain demographics that increase your risk of having a stroke. 1 in 4 strokes happen to people of working age according to the Stroke Association.
What increases my risk?
Family history
Medical conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes,
Lifestyle factors such as poor diet, smoking, too much alcohol
Ethnicity – people from certain ethnic minorities are at a higher risk of having a stroke.
Your age
Risk factors specific to women
There are risk factors specifically associated with women and these include:
Gestational diabetes and pre eclampsia during pregnancy
Raised oestrogen levels – more likely to cause blood clots.
Recognising the Signs of a Stroke
There has been a campaign on social media and online for a while now called the FAST campaign and this gives you the important steps for recognising a stroke.
F - Does the face droop on one side
A - can they raise both arms and keep them there
S - Is their speech slurred?
T - Time to call 999
If you think someone is having a stroke getting help to them at the earliest opportunity is vital for their recovery.
We talk in more detail about strokes on a first aid course, to book a course today get in touch.
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