Mike Hancock News
MP urges constituents to know their blood pressure
Local MP, Mike Hancock is warning constituents that just a few minutes could help save their lives and prevent them having a debilitating stroke. About a third of the population has high blood pressure - yet it is branded the "silent killer" as it has very few symptoms. Strokes are the third biggest killer in the UK after cancer and heart disease. And people with high blood pressure massively increase their risk of having a stroke. There are 150,000 strokes a year - yet almost half of these could be prevented through the control of high blood pressure. People can get their blood pressure checked at their GP practice or at a number of pharmacists that offer a free check.
To highlight the campaign by the Stroke Association, Mike had his blood pressure checked by members of the College of Paramedics at a recent event held by the Association in Parliament.
Mike Hancock said: "I would urge everyone to consider taking a few minutes to have their blood pressure tested - it could help prevent a debilitating stroke and save their livews. Every five minutes someone in the UK has a stroke - but over 40% of those strokes could be prevented by the control of high blood pressure. Many thousands of people are completely unaware of their own blood pressure levels and those with high blood pressure massively increase their risk of having a stroke."
Joe Korner, Director of Communications at The Stroke Association said: "Stroke prevention through different ways of health promotion such as blood pressure checking is one of our key calls to action. However it's also vitally important to remember that there is a life after a stroke for the majority of those unfortunate enough to suffer one. Stroke survivors need long-term support and rehabilitation in their local communities to make their life after a stroke as fulfilling as possible and we are urging the public as well as parliamentarians, like Mike Hancock to support us on this".
People can get more information on strokes on the Stroke Association at http://www.stroke.org.uk/ and their helpline on 0303 3033 100. And the Blood Pressure Association website at http://www.bpassoc.org.uk/ has information on blood pressure.
Notes:
16 million people in the UK have high blood pressure.
High blood pressure is often caused by lifestyle and diet factors including smoking, stress, lack of exercise and poor diet. The risk of high blood pressure increases as you get older and is also above average in minority ethnic groups, especially in African Caribbean and South-Asian communities.
A stroke happens when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted. Most strokes occur when a blood clot blocks the flow of blood to the brain. Some strokes are caused by bleeding in or around the brain from a burst blood vessel. When the blood supply is disrupted, parts of the brain become damaged or destroyed. Some strokes are fatal whist others can cause permanent or temporary paralysis to one side of the body and loss of the ability to speak, read or write.
To request further information on blood pressure call 0303 303 3100 or e-mail info@stroke.org
The Stroke Association is the only UK 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 rehabilitation and support services which include communication support, family and carer support, 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.
The Stroke Helpline provides information on stroke to the general public and is open between 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday on 0303 303 3100.
More information on The Stroke Association can be found at http://www.stroke.org.uk/.
Share this page:
