Blood pressure check for AM as part of stroke campaign

Paul Davies AM has had his blood pressure checked as part of a stroke awareness campaign.

The test was carried out by the Stroke Association as part of Healthy Living Week.

“Many people are suffering from undiagnosed high blood pressure and this is the single biggest risk factor for stroke,” said Mr Davies. “Getting your blood pressure tested is quick, simple and painless.”

Stroke is the third biggest killer in the UK and the biggest cause of adult disability. An estimated 10,000 – 11,000 people in Wales suffer a stroke every year. Of all people who suffer from a stroke, about a third are likely to die within the first 10 days, about a third are likely to make a recovery within one month and about a third are likely to be left disabled and needing rehabilitation. A stroke can happen to anyone at any time. Around a quarter of strokes happen to those aged under 65, with around 1000 happening to those under 30 in the UK.

Trish Hughes of the Stroke Association added: “Many people think that a stroke cannot be prevented, but that is not the case. Forty per cent of strokes are caused by high blood pressure and lifestyle is a big factor in stroke. Taking regular exercise, not smoking, limiting salt intake and generally eating a healthy diet can make a real difference.”

Photograph: Paul Davies Preseli Pembrokeshire AM has his blood pressure tested by the Stroke Association as part of an awareness campaign highlighting the strong link between high blood pressure and strokes.