How common are strokes in the UK?
Strokes are relatively common cardiovascular events in the UK. According to NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence), there are around 100,000 strokes every year. Of these, over a third, 38,000, will be fatal.
According to NICE: “It is estimated that 7,000 strokes could be prevented and over 2,000 lives saved every year in
England if people with atrial fibrillation were adequately treated.”
This is because, says the health organisation: “People with atrial fibrillation are five times more likely to have a stroke, and more than 1.1 million people have a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation in England. In 2014 NICE updated its recommendations for the prevention of stroke in people with atrial fibrillation, which required a change in practice.”
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Atrial fibrillation is a condition which causes an irregular and abnormally fast heart rate; symptoms of the condition include:
• An irregular or fast heartbeat
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Tiredness.
Treatment of atrial fibrillation is one way a stroke can be avoided; however, it isn’t the only way.
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Source: Daily Express
