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People Unaware Of Stroke Dangers – Survey

Tuesday 10 September 2002

A startling new survey suggests that people in Northern Ireland are largely ignorant of the causes and effects of stroke – even though it is the single biggest reason for disability in the community and costs the Health Service millions of pounds every year.

A startling new survey suggests that people in Northern Ireland are largely ignorant of the causes and effects of stroke – even though it is the single biggest reason for disability in the community and costs the Health Service millions of pounds every year.

The survey – carried out by Millward Brown Ulster (formerly Ulster Marketing Surveys) on behalf of the Northern Ireland Chest, Heart and Stroke Association – indicates that much more needs to be done in the field of health education if people are to avoid the biggest killer after heart attack and cancer.

The poll, published at the start of Northern Ireland Stroke Awareness Week, found that:
<ul>
<li>Two out of three people are unaware that high blood pressure can lead to stroke – even though it is the biggest risk factor;
<li>Seven out of ten don’t realise that smoking is a major risk factor;
<li>An astonishing nine out of ten are not aware that high salt intake is a danger;
<li>73% of those questioned didn’t know that a high fat diet is implicated in stroke;
<li>And 83% were unaware that physical inactivity increases the risk.
</ul>

Nearly a third of people were unsure of the difference between a heart attack and a stroke. Three-quarters of those questioned did not know that stroke affects the brain.

When asked what they would do if a friend or relative showed one of the symptoms of stroke, only one in three said they would take them to hospital. Two out of five said they would make a doctor’s appointment, while 12% said they would ask the friend to lie down and see what happened.

The Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Chest, Heart and Stroke Association, Andrew Dougal, said: “This poll indicates a shocking lack of awareness among the Northern Ireland public – despite the fact that we have one of the worst records for cardiovascular disease in the world and people should be taking steps to avoid it. In spite of our best efforts and the efforts of other agencies, the health message is not getting through. It’s proof that the Government must do more to ensure greater public awareness of this devastating illness.”

The major risk factors for stroke are high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, pre existing heart disease, high blood cholesterol. In addition other factors include high salt intake, excessive alcohol intake, lack of physical activity and ethnic background. People of Afro-Caribbean descent are at greater risk.

The NICHSA is using Stroke Awareness Week, which begins on September 9, to promote greater physical activity. The event coincides with the Belfast Week of Walking, and the charity is organising a walk in the city centre at 1pm on the opening day. Other events will be taking place around Northern Ireland – some of them involving the Highway to Health routes which the NICHSA has established with local Councils.

The latest Council to join the initiative is Craigavon. It will launch two walking routes in its area on September 20.

Said Mr Dougal: “Stopping smoking, taking more exercise, eating more fruit and vegetables, cutting back on salt and having a blood pressure check can make a drastic difference to someone’s chances of suffering a stroke. If people were more aware of the risks, families could be saved the misery of this dreadful illness and the Health Service would be saved the huge costs it incurs every year in dealing with it.”

Ends

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