Main Category: Stroke
Also Included In: Anxiety / Stress; Obesity / Weight Loss / Fitness
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New research released today has revealed that an alarming number of British adults could be at an extreme risk of stroke, due to rising stress levels.
Over seven million British adults could be at risk of stroke as the new working year begins, with women targeted as being even more of a concern than men. Staggeringly, around 15 per cent of people in the UK consider themselves extremely stressed heading into 2011, with the figure rising to nearly a fifth of women compared to a tenth of men.
High blood pressure is the biggest risk factor for stroke and alongside a bad diet and lack of exercise, high levels of stress are a key contributor to raising blood pressure. Almost a fifth of those surveyed admitted that they undertook no exercise whatsoever, with a similar number managing only 30 minutes of exercise once a week.
Middle aged people (45-54 year olds) are increasing their risk of stroke, with over a quarter admitting to never taking any exercise, as well as reporting the highest levels of stress across all age groups in the UK - with almost 50 per cent claiming to be more than 'moderately stressed'. Worryingly, 40 per cent of the British public are not even aware of the link between exercise and stroke prevention.
The study was undertaken by The Stroke Association in conjunction with Siemens, ahead of the nationwide Stroke for Stroke week.
The campaign, now in its fourth year, aims to raise awareness of stroke - the second biggest killer in the UK - by encouraging members of the public to take part in a sponsored 10km row (or more), helping to raise vital funds for The Stroke Association.
Stroke for Stroke week runs between 24 - 30 January 2011.
James Beeby, Head of Corporate Fundraising for The Stroke Association, said, "The research is incredibly worrying and emphasises the need for the public to be aware of the dangers of stroke.
"Stroke is the UK's third biggest killer and we'd encourage as many people as possible to take part in Stroke for Stroke week and help to raise awareness as well as vital funds. It Is imperative that people take regular exercise and modify their diet to reduce the risk of suffering a stroke".
Andreas J. Goss, chief executive of Siemens in the UK, said: "Stroke is the UK's third biggest killer and contrary to popular belief it can affect people of any age.
"Siemens is delighted to be able to use our partnership with the GB Rowing Team to help build awareness, raise much needed funds for The Stroke Association and to encourage people to take up regular exercise as part of an overall healthy lifestyle. I'll be doing my bit, and encouraging our employees to do the same so please visit the website and have some fun taking part in Stroke for Stroke 2011."
Notes
The research was carried out by One Poll in September 2010 and questioned 2,000 participants.
Siemens Stroke for Stroke Week is supported by The Stroke Association.
Source:
Siemens in the UK
The Stroke Association
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