Hywel Dda University Health Board joins Stroke Association in marking World Stroke Day
Hywel Dda University Health Board has joined the Stroke Association in marking World Stroke Day and raising awareness of the impact of stroke on women.
One in eight women in the UK wrongly believes that a stroke could never happen to them, according to the findings of a poll published today by the Stroke Association. Around 30,000 women die from a stroke every year (i). The condition is the third leading cause of death in women in the UK, and the second biggest killer worldwide.
The charity’s latest poll (ii), commissioned to mark World Stroke Day on 29 October, uncovers widespread misconceptions about stroke amongst women. The findings, based on a UK-wide survey of 2,000 adults, show that:
Three quarters of women (74%) did not know that stroke is one of the world’s biggest killers
Fewer than a third of women (28%) said they thought they would be most likely to have a stroke as they got older.
The research also found that women have different attitudes towards the consequences of stroke compared to men.
One in eight women in the UK wrongly believes that a stroke could never happen to them, according to the findings of a poll published today by the Stroke Association. Around 30,000 women die from a stroke every year (i). The condition is the third leading cause of death in women in the UK, and the second biggest killer worldwide.
The charity’s latest poll (ii), commissioned to mark World Stroke Day on 29 October, uncovers widespread misconceptions about stroke amongst women. The findings, based on a UK-wide survey of 2,000 adults, show that:
Three quarters of women (74%) did not know that stroke is one of the world’s biggest killers
Fewer than a third of women (28%) said they thought they would be most likely to have a stroke as they got older.
The research also found that women have different attitudes towards the consequences of stroke compared to men.
The findings show that;
The Association provides information leaflets and fact sheets in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembroekshire to ensure stroke survivors and their families and carers are given up to date information, including stroke prevention advice and guidance.
A home visiting service is availabe within the three counties, thanks to a recent agreement of continued funding from the University Health Board. Stroke Association Coordinators are able to offer emotional support to patients and their families at a difficult time in their lives. Social opportunities are also available in many areas where stroke survivors and their carers can get together to gain confidence and share experiences.
Ana Palazon, Director Cymru at Stroke Association explained; “World Stroke Day gives us an opportunity to focus on the next steps in improving stroke services across the globe. At a local level, the Stroke Association is working much more closely with Hywel Dda University Health Board to deliver high quality services for stroke survivors in the area and we are delighted that our funding has been secured for the next three years”.
Hywel Dda University Health Board’s Assisstant Director of Strategic Partnerships Peter Llewelyn, added; “We are pleased to see that our contract with the Stroke Association across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire is delivering real benefits to people who have had a stroke and also to their families. We are also encouraged by some good work on stroke prevention which we have supported through our small grants programme. We are currently in discussion with the Stroke Association about some other projects and anticipate further positive developments in the future'.
Stroke is the third most common cause of death in the UK, but timely treatment can have a huge impact on improving outcomes for patients and limiting long term disability. Approximately 85% of strokes are due to the blockage of an artery in the brain caused by a blood clot.
Thrombolysis - one of the most promising treatments for stroke if provided quickly – is provided by the University Health Board in its four main hospitals; Bronglais Hospital, Aberystwyth; Glangwili Hospital, Carmarthen; Prince Philip Hospital, Llanelli and Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest.
Dr Phil Jones, Consultant Physician at Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth, Wales’ first national clinical lead for stroke services, explained: “Thrombolysis can restore blood-flow to the brain, helping to reduce lasting disabilities. Time is of the essence as evidence suggests the quicker the drug is given after onset of symptoms, the higher the chance of functional improvement and the lower the risk of complications.”
To act FAST, look out for;
Facts and figures on women and stroke:
• Stroke is the third leading cause of death in women in the UK
• One in five women will have a stroke in their lifetime
• Three times as many women die from stroke compared to breast cancer
• 51% of hospital admissions for stroke are female
• 61% of all stroke deaths are female
• Women with a large waist-to-hip ratio have up to thirteen times increased risk of stroke. Black African and Caribbean women have the highest waist-hip ratio.
• Over 50% of all UK smokers are female. Smoking doubles the risk of stroke
• Contraceptive pills could double your risk of stroke
(i) Office of National Statistics: Deaths Registered in England and Wales in 2010, by Cause. (2010)
(ii) Opinium Research conducted an online survey of 2,002 UK adults aged 18 and over from 2 – 8 September 2014
(iii) Memory loss was the third most feared consequence of stroke of men surveyed (13%). Losing the ability to speak was the third most feared consequence of stroke of women surveyed (16%)
• A stroke is a brain attack which happens when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, caused by a clot or bleeding in the brain. In Wales there are over 11,000 strokes each year and it is the leading cause of severe adult disability. There are over 65,100 people in Wales and 1.2 million people in the UK living with the effects of stroke.
• 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 www.stroke.org.uk
- Over half of women (51%) said they feared becoming reliant on others as a result of a stroke, compared to just two fifths of men (44%)
- Memory loss was one of the most feared consequences of a stroke for men, while a greater proportion of women feared losing their ability to speak(iii)
- Just one in 25 women (4%) said they feared losing their ability to walk.
The Association provides information leaflets and fact sheets in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembroekshire to ensure stroke survivors and their families and carers are given up to date information, including stroke prevention advice and guidance.
A home visiting service is availabe within the three counties, thanks to a recent agreement of continued funding from the University Health Board. Stroke Association Coordinators are able to offer emotional support to patients and their families at a difficult time in their lives. Social opportunities are also available in many areas where stroke survivors and their carers can get together to gain confidence and share experiences.
Ana Palazon, Director Cymru at Stroke Association explained; “World Stroke Day gives us an opportunity to focus on the next steps in improving stroke services across the globe. At a local level, the Stroke Association is working much more closely with Hywel Dda University Health Board to deliver high quality services for stroke survivors in the area and we are delighted that our funding has been secured for the next three years”.
Hywel Dda University Health Board’s Assisstant Director of Strategic Partnerships Peter Llewelyn, added; “We are pleased to see that our contract with the Stroke Association across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire is delivering real benefits to people who have had a stroke and also to their families. We are also encouraged by some good work on stroke prevention which we have supported through our small grants programme. We are currently in discussion with the Stroke Association about some other projects and anticipate further positive developments in the future'.
Stroke is the third most common cause of death in the UK, but timely treatment can have a huge impact on improving outcomes for patients and limiting long term disability. Approximately 85% of strokes are due to the blockage of an artery in the brain caused by a blood clot.
Thrombolysis - one of the most promising treatments for stroke if provided quickly – is provided by the University Health Board in its four main hospitals; Bronglais Hospital, Aberystwyth; Glangwili Hospital, Carmarthen; Prince Philip Hospital, Llanelli and Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest.
Dr Phil Jones, Consultant Physician at Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth, Wales’ first national clinical lead for stroke services, explained: “Thrombolysis can restore blood-flow to the brain, helping to reduce lasting disabilities. Time is of the essence as evidence suggests the quicker the drug is given after onset of symptoms, the higher the chance of functional improvement and the lower the risk of complications.”
To act FAST, look out for;
- Facial weakness - can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?
- Arm weakness - can the person raise both arms?
- Speech problems - can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?
- Time to call 999
Facts and figures on women and stroke:
• Stroke is the third leading cause of death in women in the UK
• One in five women will have a stroke in their lifetime
• Three times as many women die from stroke compared to breast cancer
• 51% of hospital admissions for stroke are female
• 61% of all stroke deaths are female
• Women with a large waist-to-hip ratio have up to thirteen times increased risk of stroke. Black African and Caribbean women have the highest waist-hip ratio.
• Over 50% of all UK smokers are female. Smoking doubles the risk of stroke
• Contraceptive pills could double your risk of stroke
(i) Office of National Statistics: Deaths Registered in England and Wales in 2010, by Cause. (2010)
(ii) Opinium Research conducted an online survey of 2,002 UK adults aged 18 and over from 2 – 8 September 2014
(iii) Memory loss was the third most feared consequence of stroke of men surveyed (13%). Losing the ability to speak was the third most feared consequence of stroke of women surveyed (16%)
• A stroke is a brain attack which happens when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, caused by a clot or bleeding in the brain. In Wales there are over 11,000 strokes each year and it is the leading cause of severe adult disability. There are over 65,100 people in Wales and 1.2 million people in the UK living with the effects of stroke.
• 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 www.stroke.org.uk
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