Stroke campaign launches in the South West as new figures show larger proportion of strokes in middle age adults

EMBARGOED UNTIL 00.01 1^st February 2018

Stroke campaign launches in the South West as new figures show larger proportion of strokes in middle age adults

• Current figures show there are over 122,500 people on GP registers in South West who have had a stroke,[1] and in 2016 almost 4,000 people died from a stroke[2]
• While the majority of strokes happen to those over 70, a larger proportion of strokes are occurring in middle age adults (40 – 69 years)[3]
• Public Health England launches national Act F.A.S.T. stroke campaign to remind people of all ages to be aware of the symptoms and call 999 urgently at the first signs
• Timely treatment can reduce the risk of disability and death

Public Health England (PHE) today launches the Act F.A.S.T. stroke campaign in the South West which urges the public to call 999 if they notice even one of the signs of a stroke in themselves, or in others:

• Face – has their face fallen on one side? Can they smile?
• Arms – can they raise both their arms and keep them there?
• Speech – is their speech slurred?
• Time – time to call 999

In England, one in six people will have a stroke in their lifetime.[*] Current figures show there are over 122,500 people on GP registers in South West who have had a stroke,¹ and in 2016 almost 4,000 people died from a stroke.² It is estimated that around 30% of people who have a stroke will experience another stroke.

Stroke is the third most common cause of premature death[4]^,[†] and a leading cause of disability in the UK.[5] There are around 32,000 stroke related deaths in England each year.[6] Deaths related to stroke have declined by 49% in the past 15 years.[‡] This has been accredited to a combination of better prevention, earlier treatment and more advanced treatment. Getting an NHS Health Check, for those aged 40-74 years, can identify early if you are at risk of a stroke.

While the majority (59%) of strokes occur in the older generation, PHE’s figures also found that over a third (38%) of first time strokes happen in middle aged adults (between the ages of 40 – 69).³ More first time strokes are now occurring at an earlier age compared to a decade ago. The average age for males having a stroke fell from 71 to 68 years and for females, 75 to 73 years between 2007 and 2016.³

Awareness is crucial, so the campaign reaches out to people of all ages to highlight the risk of stroke and reiterates the signs and how vital it is that people call 999 and get to hospital as soon as possible. Around 1.9 million nerve cells in the brain are lost every minute that a stroke is left untreated,[7] which can result in slurred speech and paralysis. If left untreated, a stroke can result in permanent disability or death.

The Stroke Association’s latest State of the Nation report reveals that in the UK almost two thirds (65%) of stroke survivors leave hospital with a disability.[8] Around three quarters of stroke survivors have arm or leg weakness, around 60% have visual problems and around a half have difficulty swallowing and loss of bladder control. Communication is also affected in around a third of stroke survivors.⁸

 Debbie Stark, Deputy Centre Director for Public Health England South West said:

“We know that sadly, far too many people dismiss their early warning signs of stroke and delay calling 999. Stroke is a medical emergency and getting the right treatment fast can save lives.

“Through this latest campaign we hope as many people as possible know how to act FAST and help reduce the devastating impact a stroke can have.”

Paul Leyland, 58, from Wellington in Somerset suffered a stroke in 2012:

“In 2012, I had a stroke whilst on holiday in Cornwall and now I’m encouraging people to learn to recognise the signs of stroke in themselves and others.

“I'd been enjoying the last day of the holiday with my family when I decided to stop off at a supermarket for a cooked breakfast. Something in my head registered that I was having a stroke as I recognised the signs from the Act F.A.S.T. TV ad. I could feel a wave of numbness moving from my head down, and weakness spreading inside my body and became very unsteady. I couldn’t imagine what else it could have been.

“Fortunately, my family were able to help me to the supermarket, where staff called 999 for an ambulance and I was rushed to hospital within an hour. Initially, my vision and emotions were severely affected, and I was left with numbness down the left-hand side of my body, some of which continues today.

“But with support from Headway Somerset I have rebuilt my life, and in many ways feel fitter than I did before the stroke: walking twice a day and doing yoga. I have also been able to return to my career in film and as an artist and have worked with a support group to help others affected by stroke.”

Tony Rudd, National Clinical Director for Stroke with NHS England and stroke physician at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, comments:

"Thanks to improved NHS care, stroke survival is now at record high levels. Urgent treatment for strokes is essential, so friends and family can play a key part in making sure their loved ones receive care as quickly as possible.

 “Every minute counts and knowing when to call 999 - if you see any one of the signs of stroke - will make a significant difference to someone’s recovery and rehabilitation.”

 Steve Brine MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Public Health and Primary Care, said:

“Strokes still claim thousands of lives each year, so the message of this Act FAST campaign remains as relevant as ever. The faster you act, the greater the chance of a good recovery. That’s why I’m urging everybody, and we must remember stroke can hit at any age, to familiarise themselves with the signs of a stroke and be ready to act fast.”

The F.A.S.T. (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) acronym has featured in the advertising for a number of years and is a simple test to help people identify the most common signs of a stroke.

Ends

For further information, images or interviews please contact the Public Health England South West Press Office on 0117 968 9161 or 0117 968 9113.

Notes to editor:

1. The Act F.A.S.T. campaign videos and pictures can be found via this Dropbox link: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/yk68cbb0flkdezk/AADoyKmmkOB2kpPoUV3PpNSQa?dl=0

2. Interview opportunities with Public Health England, health care professionals and case studies are available upon request
   
   

3. Juliet Bouverie, CEO of the Stroke Association, said:

“As the UK’s leading stroke charity, we have said time and again that stroke devastates lives in an instant. Almost two thirds of stroke survivors leave hospital with a disability, but it doesn’t have to be this way. The faster you seek and receive emergency specialist treatment for stroke, the better your chances of making a good recovery. Knowing the signs of stroke and being able to Act FAST could save a life – your life.”

4. Celebrity supporters of this campaign include Shelley King, Gloria Hunniford, Marcus Birdman and Alastair Stewart. Quotes from the celebrities are included below and interviews available upon request:
   

Shelley King, actress who plays Yazmeen Nazir on Coronation Street and supporter of the Stroke Association, said: 

“Both my mother and grandmother have been affected by a stroke so it's something incredibly close to my heart and I want to do anything I can to encourage people to be aware of the signs of a stroke and to act quickly if you notice them, either in yourself or in other people around you. Back in the ‘90s when my mother had a stroke, there was very little awareness – many people wouldn’t have spotted the signs or known what to do, delaying action that could have saved lives. But today, with campaigns like Act F.A.S.T., we can be empowered to do more. A stroke can strike at any time – it might be someone just walking down the street who needs your help – so it’s crucial that all of us take notice of the F.A.S.T. acronym and know to call 999 immediately if we see any single one of the signs.”

Gloria Hunniford, television and radio presenter and supporter of the Stroke Association, said: 

“I know first-hand the importance of recognising signs of stroke and acting fast, having had to do so for my husband, Stephen. I was about to head out of our home to work, when Stephen stumbled into the house from the garden saying his left arm felt like cotton wool. My dad had suffered a series of strokes, so recognising the warning bells, I knew I had to act fast. Not many of us realise how quickly the clock is ticking for someone who is suffering stroke – thankfully Stephen got to the hospital in time to receive clot-busting treatment within the crucial 3-hour time window. Whether it’s just one symptom or more, and no matter how subtle, it’s absolutely essential to call 999 at the first signs of a stroke. I dread to think what could have happened if Stephen was too late – his outlook could have been much worse. Fortunately, he fully recovered.”

Alastair Stewart OBE, journalist and newscaster and supporter of the Stroke Association, said:

“My father had a stroke and it was devastating for my family. He was my hero and to see him struggling with disabilities afterwards was heart-breaking. I’d encourage everyone to familiarise themselves with the Act F.A.S.T. acronym so they can act quickly when they see a stroke happening and hopefully avoid someone experiencing the same difficulties as my father.”

Markus Birdman, stand-up comedian and supporter of the Stroke Association, said:

“I considered myself to be fit and healthy, so when I was 40 and had a stroke it was a shock. I woke up one morning and found it really hard to see; I had absolutely no idea what was going on. You never think it’s going to happen to you, especially not when you’re young, but strokes can happen at any age so it’s important that people know the signs to look out of so they can act quickly. The faster you act, the less damage that is done and the better the person’s chance of a good recovery.”

5. The Act F.A.S.T. campaign will run nationally from 1 February. The campaign includes advertising on TV, press, radio, bus interior posters and digital, supporting PR and a social media drive. Some activity will specifically target black and minority ethnic audiences as African, African-Caribbean and South Asian communities have a higher incidence of stroke
   Website: www.nhs.uk/actfast Twitter: @ActFAST999, Facebook: facebook.com/ActFAST999
   

6. Additional symptoms of stroke and mini stroke can include:

• Sudden loss of vision or blurred vision in one or both eyes
• Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body
• Sudden memory loss or confusion
• Sudden dizziness, unsteadiness or a sudden fall, especially with any of the other symptoms
  
  

7. A stroke is a brain attack that happens when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, caused by a clot or bleeding in the brain. A mini stroke is also known as a transient ischaemic attack (TIA). It is caused by a temporary disruption in the blood supply to part of the brain.
   
   

8. Public Health England exists to protect and improve the nation’s health and wellbeing, and reduce health inequalities. We do this through world-leading science, knowledge and intelligence, advocacy, partnerships and the delivery of specialist public health services. We are an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care, and a distinct delivery organisation with operational autonomy to advise and support government, local authorities and the NHS in a professionally independent manner. Website: gov.uk/phe. Twitter: @PHE_uk, Facebook: www.facebook.com/PublicHealthEngland
   

9. The Stroke Association is a charity. We believe in life after stroke and together we can conquer stroke. We work directly with stroke survivors and their families and carers, with health and social care professionals and with scientists and researchers. We campaign to improve stroke care and support people to make the best recovery they can. We fund research to develop new treatments and ways of preventing stroke. The Stroke Helpline (0303 303 3100) provides information and support on stroke. More information can be found at stroke.org.uk
   

10. The One You campaign is a nationwide programme that supports adults in making simple changes that can have a huge influence on their health. Changes that could help prevent diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cancer and heart disease and reduce risk of suffering a stroke or living with dementia, disability and frailty in later life
    
    

11. Adults aged 40 to 74 are eligible for a free NHS Health Check which is designed to spot early signsof stroke, kidney disease, heart disease, type 2 diabetes or dementia. As we get older, we have a higher risk of developing one of these conditions. An NHS Health Check helps find ways to lower this risk. Those in the age group can expect to receive a letter from your GP or local authority inviting you for a free NHS Health Check every five years.
    
    

12. Local Data

Prevalence statistics - Cardiovascular Disease, Stroke QOF Prevalence (All ages)

England	1,013,366
South West	122,717
NHS Bath And North East Somerset CCG	3,590
NHS Bristol CCG	7,851
NHS Dorset CCG	19,101
NHS Gloucestershire CCG	12,364
NHS Kernow CCG	14,900
NHS North Somerset CCG	5,247
NHS Northern, Eastern And Western Devon CCG	20,408
NHS Somerset CCG	13,045
NHS South Devon And Torbay CCG	7,651
NHS South Gloucestershire CCG	4,769
NHS Swindon CCG	3,471
NHS Wiltshire CCG	10,320

Mortality statistics - underlying cause, sex and age
Reference: Office for National Statistics. (2018). Deaths registered in England and Wales: 2016.

Area	Deaths						Age-standardised mortality rate
	Total		Male		Female		Total		Male		Female
England		30,440		12,993		17,447		59.59		62.73		56.7
South West		3,991		1,611		2,380		63.39		64.27		62.17
Bath and North East Somerset		113		36		77		58.24		45.39		64.45
Bournemouth		133		58		75		64.14		71.34		58.99
Bristol, City of		188		73		115		56.51		54.47		57.58
Cornwall and Isles of Scilly		490		192		298		73.95		72.36		73.98
Devon		710		299		411		68.74		74.84		63.93
Dorset		432		190		242		67.55		74.38		62.02
Gloucestershire		433		170		263		63.75		63.28		63.56
North Somerset		149		51		98		57.34		48.18		61.22
Plymouth		143		55		88		58.85		52.95		61.86
Poole		96		34		62		51.68		46.27		51.85
Somerset		411		168		243		59.27		61.00		58.74
South Gloucestershire		136		58		78		51.59		53.64		49.63
Swindon		88		39		49		49.68		55.10		46.83
Torbay		138		58		80		75.62		78.31		73.52
Wiltshire		331		130		201		62.30		62.85		62.47

 

[*] ^{1 in 6 people will have a stroke in their life refers to people living in England, Wales and Northern Ireland only.}

[†] ^{Premature mortality refers to deaths under the age of 75, according to National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines}

[‡] ^{Based on the three-year average between 2001 and 2003 - 2014 and 2016.}

[1] Public Health England Cardiovascular Disease Profiles. Access via: https://fingertips.phe.org.uk/profile/cardiovascular/data. Last accessed 11 January 2018

[2] Office for National Statistics. (2018). Deaths registered in England and Wales: 2016. Last accessed 11 January 2018.

[3] Public Health England 2018. Technical document: Estimated first incidence of stroke in England, 2007 – 2016.

[4] ONS (2016) Registered deaths by age, sex, selected underlying causes of death and the leading causes of death for both males and females. Office for National Statistics

[5] Newton, J, Briggs, A, Murray, C. et al. 2015, ‘Changes in health in England, with analysis by English regions and areas of deprivation, 1990–2013: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2013’, The Lancet. vol.  386, no. 10010, p2257-2274.

[6] Office for National Statistics (ONS) Annual mortality statistics. 2017 Available from www.ons.gov.uk

[7] Saver, J. L. (2006). Time is brain—quantified. Stroke, 37(1), 263-266. Available: http://stroke.ahajournals.org/content/37/1/263

[8] State of the Nation, Stroke statistics - February 2018, Stroke Association.