EVERY year about 110,000 people in the UK suffer a stroke – it is the third largest cause of death after heart disease and cancer - and the brain injuries caused by a stroke are a major cause of adult disability.

While older people are more at risk of having a stroke, it can happen at any age and people with Asian, African or Caribbean heritage have a higher risk of stroke because of their pre-disposition to develop high blood pressure, which can lead to strokes.

Factors like being overweight, lack of exercise and a poor diet, high cholesterol, irregular or rapid heartbeat and diabetes can also contribute to the risk of having a stroke.

But the World Stroke Organisation (WSO) also highlighted in its World Stroke Day campaign last Thursday (October 29) that woman are more at risk of having a stroke and dying from it than men.

“I Am Woman” was the theme of the organisation’s campaign this year, drawing attention to the fact that while women are more at risk, they are less likely to receive acute care and rehabilitation than men – even though they respond equally well to treatment.

Women are also more likely to experience a severe decline in cognitive function and run a higher risk of post-stroke depression and institutionalisation.

They are also more prone to experiencing hypertension, irregular heartbeat, diabetes, depression and obesity.

The World Stroke Association also points out that some stroke risks are specific to women – pregnancy related diabetes, preeclampsia, the use of birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy and hormonal changes.

A spokesman for the organisation said: “We want more women to understand their stroke risk and take steps that will reduce the likelihood of preventable stroke.

“This World Stroke Day we have been encouraging all women to make healthier lifestyle choices and calling on them to get a health check from a medical practitioner.

“We have also been calling on communities and individuals to use World Stroke Day to share information about stroke prevention and ask women in their community and they know to have a health check and help avoid preventable stroke and cardiovascular disease.”

Public Health England (PHE) and the Stroke Association have joined forces to stress the importance of acting fast when anyone spots the signs of a stroke – it can save someone’s life and improve the chances of recovery for anyone who does survive a stroke.

A person loses two million nerve cells every minute that they do not receive medical treatment during a stroke.

Nerve cells are the core components of the brain, spinal cord and central nervous system and the more that are lost, the greater the chance of slurred speech, paralysis and permanent disability. If left untreated, a stroke could result in permanent disability or death.

The Act FAST campaign focuses on the three key symptoms and urges the public to call 999 is they see anyone with these symptoms

• 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

Recognising the signs of stroke and acting quickly so that the person can get to hospital within the vital three-hour window results in a greater chance of recovery as well as reduced likelihood of permanent disability and lesser need for extensive rehabilitation.

Since the Act FAST campaign was launched in 2009, an extra 41,382 people have got to hospital within the vital three-hour window, meaning that those affected by stroke receive the immediate medical treatment required.

Figures released by PHE earlier this year also show that since the campaign launch, over 4,000 fewer people became disabled as a result of a stroke in the period.

To illustrate how every minute counts during a stroke and to encourage people to Act FAST, PHE and Stroke Association have released a thought provoking animated film.

The animation depicts the possible outcome of two scenarios for a stroke survivor – one where they receive the immediate medical attention required and another where calling for an ambulance is delayed (based on a real life story).To watch the video visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vc9OF64H4sE

Dr Ann Hoskins, director of children, young people and families with Public Health England, said: “Every minute really does count when it comes to stroke and delaying treatment can have serious consequences.

“We are urging everyone to stay alert to the signs of stroke and to seek immediate medical attention if they notice any of the symptoms in others. The faster a stroke is treated, the better the chances of a good recovery.”

Jon Barrick, chief executive at the Stroke Association said: “Acting FAST can help reduce the devastating impact a stroke can have. We know that sadly, far too many people dismiss the early warning signs of stroke and delay calling 999.

“It’s easy to ignore these signs as a ‘funny turn’, but stroke is a medical emergency and getting the right treatment fast can save lives and reduce the devastation that stroke can bring.

“You are more likely to survive a stroke, and make a better recovery, if your symptoms are spotted and you get treated in a stroke unit as quickly as possible. We need to Act FAST because time lost is brain lost.”

Actress, Miriam Margolyes, whose mother had a stroke, said: “When mummy had a stroke in the late 60s, there was so little known and much less awareness of stroke than there is today. It was the worst time of my life.

“A stroke happens out of the blue and knowing how to recognise the symptoms is so important. If you know what you’re looking for, you can get your loved ones the help they need immediately.”

Research from the Stroke Association shows more than half of all survivors have a disability and more than a third are left dependent on others for everyday activities.

When it comes to rehabilitation, 85 per cent of stroke survivors require physiotherapy, 80 per cent need occupational therapy, and 47 per cent need speech and language therapy. The faster patients receive immediate medical treatment, the better the recovery.