High blood pressure is a common problem that affects around 16 million people in the UK (Image: Getty)
High blood pressure is a common problem that affects around 16 million people in the UK. It can increase your risk of serious health problems, including having a stroke. And while strokes are often associated with older people, they can also affect people much earlier in life. Experts say people in their 30s and 40s can have several of the risk factors linked to stroke. These include high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and not getting enough exercise.
Long working hours, poor sleep, smoking, an unhealthy diet and stress can also increase the risks. Dr Vivek Barun, associate chief and head of epilepsy at Artemis Hospital in Gurugram, India, said one problem is that people may only check their blood pressure when they feel unwell.
He also warned that some people stop taking their prescribed medication once their blood pressure readings improve. But people with high blood pressure should not stop taking prescribed medication without speaking to their doctor first.
High blood pressure can damage blood vessels without causing obvious symptoms, increasing the risk of strokes caused by both a blockage and bleeding. This means someone could feel well even though their blood pressure still needs to be controlled.
Keeping on top of the condition involves regularly checking your blood pressure and following your doctor’s prescribed treatment. People can also help reduce their stroke risk by controlling diabetes and cholesterol, maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly.
Blood pressure ranges (Image: NHS)
Eating less salt, avoiding tobacco and managing stress can also help.
There are also concerns that younger people may ignore possible signs of a stroke because they think they are too young to have one.
This can delay getting medical help, despite quick treatment being important for someone’s chances of recovery.
Technology is also helping doctors diagnose and treat strokes. Artificial intelligence can help medical teams analyse brain scans and spot possible bleeding or blocked blood vessels.
However, Dr Barun said AI is used to help doctors make decisions and does not replace their expert judgement.
Some people who suffer an ischaemic stroke can also be treated with a procedure called a mechanical thrombectomy.
This involves removing a blood clot from a blocked blood vessel in the brain to restore blood flow.
Many people only check their blood pressure when they feel unwell (Image: Getty)
When carried out quickly on suitable patients, it can improve survival and reduce the risk of long-term disability.
Recovery from a stroke can then continue for months or even years. Dr Praveen Gupta, Chairman of the Marengo Asia International Institute of Neuro and Spine, said the first year can be particularly important as people try to regain their independence.
Rehabilitation can help with everyday abilities such as walking, balance, moving the hands, communicating and swallowing.
Depending on the person, this can include physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy.
A stroke can also affect someone’s mental health, with survivors experiencing problems including depression, anxiety, irritability and frustration.
