I’m a health expert – here’s eight signs you could be on verge of a stroke

STROKES are one of the top five fatal health problems – with one person affected every five minutes.

At least 100,000 people in the UK suffer a stroke every year, with one in four cases proving fatal, and more working-age men are now falling victim.

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Tomorrow marks the start of Stroke Awareness Month and the Government has relaunched its Act FAST campaign, which ­features shocking images of ­common symptoms.

Here Sun on Sunday Health explains the big risk factors — as well as eight signs of a stroke that you should never ignore.

Alexis Kolodziej, an executive director at the Stroke Association charity, explained: “A stroke occurs when your brain becomes deprived of oxygen — either because of a clot which stops blood flow, or a bleed.

“As soon as your brain loses oxygen, your cells start to die and you lose the functioning of whatever it is that this area of your brain was responsible for.

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“Because the brain is the body’s control centre, each stroke looks different depending on where it is and its size, meaning there are a wide range of symptoms and a stroke can be difficult to diagnose.”

Blood pressure

The UK has around 1.3million stroke survivors. With fast action and the right treatment — which can include clot-busting drugs and surgery — it is possible to recover.

Strokes affect all ages and can even happen in the womb. As well as at least 100,000 adults, around 400 babies are said to experience strokes every year.

But ageing is the biggest risk factor and the chances of experiencing a stroke increase with every year of life — and are at their highest in those aged around 65 to 70 or older

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The signs of a stroke are often visible on one side of the body, depending where in the brain the stroke occurred.

Acting quickly when the signs present themselves — and receiving hospital treatment as soon as ­possible, ­ideally within hours — are the best ways to save lives and improve the chances of recovery.

Alexis added that blood pressure is one of the biggest warning signs that a person is at risk.

She said: “High blood pressure causes 50 per cent of strokes because it places additional stress on the arteries, which can then block more easily. But a check of your blood pressure will help you to know if you are at risk.”

Atrial fibrillation — a type of irregular heartbeat that people often do not know they have but can be picked up in a medical examination — can also increase your risk by five times.

Stroke ranks with lung disease, cancer, and heart and liver disease among Britain’s five most fatal health conditions.

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Alexis added: “The rate of ­people dying from strokes is decreasing thanks to improvements in treatment, and people’s knowledge of the symptoms.

“But the number of people suffering strokes is increasing because we are now living for longer. We’re seeing a more ­worrying trend in the number of strokes in working-age people aged under 65 — particularly men.

“This is probably down to many of the same societal risk factors — such as not being active enough, poor diet, smoking and alcohol — that are also associated with other major health problems.”

Think fast and call for help

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THE acronym FAST – Face, Arms, Speech, Time – outlines the most important things to look out for in a possible stroke sufferer.

Below are the three signs, plus five more you should check, according to the Stroke Association.

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If you notice any of them, dial 999 – just like the FAST info advises.

1. FACE DROOP­ING. Most noticeable on one side, especially if the person tries to smile, and it comes on suddenly.
2. ARMS. Ask someone to raise both arms and keep them there. A stroke may stop you being able to move one arm or leg.
3. SPEECH. Slurring is the most common speech change in stroke sufferers but they might suddenly struggle to find the right words.
4. VISION. A very fast onset of blurred or double vision or losing vision in one or both eyes can be the sign of a stroke.
5. CONFUSION. Severe and sudden memory loss or confusion can indicate a stroke.
6. BALANCE. Suddenly falling over or an onset of dizziness or vertigo can indicate a bleed or clot on the brain.
7. DIFFICULTY SWALLOWING. This is unlikely to be a sign of a stroke on its own. If it occurs alongside one of the other symptoms in this list it should be investigated by medics.
8. NUMBNESS. Losing feeling or experiencing weakness, usually down one side. Unlike pins and needles, this would feel instant and severe.