The Stroke Association in Northern Ireland urges public to check for ‘silent’ conditions that can cause deadly strokes

Leading British Doctor - Dr Hilary Jones, is backing the Stroke Association’s campaign to urge the public to get checked for ‘silent’ health conditions that can cause a deadly stroke. New data reveals over half (53%) of stroke patients have high blood pressure and one in six (16%) have an irregular heart rhythm known as atrial fibrillation [1]. Both conditions are often without symptoms. The charity warns that missed diagnosis and lack of treatment, which has been exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, could increase the number of strokes by thousands [2-3].

In the Northern Ireland population, around 278,000 people have been diagnosed with hypertension and almost 42,000 people with atrial fibrillation, with an additional 10,000 people expected to be living with undiagnosed atrial fibrillation [4].

Dr Hilary Jones is a GP, presenter and writer, known for his television appearances on shows such as Good Morning Britain and Lorraine. Dr Hilary Jones said: “It’s vital that you get checked for high blood pressure and atrial fibrillation so you can avoid a deadly stroke. In many people, these conditions often don’t have obvious symptoms – so taking the time to get checked could prevent a stroke. You can get your blood pressure checked at your local pharmacy, at an NHS Health Check appointment, at your GP surgery and at home.

“If you’re measuring your blood pressure at home, make sure you share your readings with your GP so they can regularly review your treatment. Checking your pulse is the first step to monitoring for atrial fibrillation. If your heart rate doesn’t feel right, talk to your GP. We know there are many cases of high blood pressure and atrial fibrillation that aren’t being diagnosed. But, if caught early these conditions can be treated with medicine or changes to your lifestyle, which can reduce your risk of a life-changing stroke.”

The latest data from Stroke Sentinel National Audit Programme (SSNAP), also reveals [1]:

• Missed opportunities for diagnosis: 1 in 20 (5%) of stroke patients in Northern Ireland were newly diagnosed with atrial fibrillation when they had their stroke
• Lack of appropriate management for patients with diagnosed risk factors for stroke: Around 1 in 7 (15%) of stroke patients in Northern Ireland who had a previous diagnosis of atrial fibrillation were not on anticoagulant medication

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on the entire health system, and whilst GPs have worked incredibly hard to maintain a service during the pandemic, there have been fewer face to face appointments. Between March–May 2020, the diagnosis rate of cardiovascular conditions (including high blood pressure) almost halved, dropping to [43%5].

Stroke strikes every five minutes in the UK, and happens when the blood supply to part of your brain is cut off, killing brain cells [6]. High blood pressure is the single biggest risk factor for stroke – causing blood vessels to narrow or block, or to burst [7]. Atrial fibrillation is a type of irregular heartbeat that prevents your heart from emptying blood properly, causing blood clots which can travel to your brain [8].

These two silent conditions are linked: high blood pressure is a significant risk factor for atrial fibrillation [9]. Furthermore, strokes caused by atrial fibrillation are more severe and are more likely to result in institutional care [10].

Juliet Bouverie OBE, Chief Executive at the Stroke Association, said: “Pre-pandemic, diagnosis rates of high blood pressure and atrial fibrillation were already low. So we’re incredibly worried that the pandemic’s knock-on effect on healthcare services means thousands of people are unknowingly living with these deadly conditions.

“Heart health affects brain health. So, we are urging you to act now and make sure your heart is healthy by getting checked for high blood pressure and atrial fibrillation. Don’t let the first sign of high blood pressure or atrial fibrillation be a life-changing stroke. We know it can be difficult to get an appointment at your GP, but it’s vital that you persist when making this call, or visit your local pharmacy and get checked there. These simple checks could save your life.

“We want there to be fewer strokes and for the people affected by stroke to have the treatment and support they need to live the best lives they can. That’s why, ahead of the May 2022 Assembly elections, we are calling on the next Northern Ireland government to invest in ambitious plans to improve the detection and treatment of stroke risk factors like hypertension and atrial fibrillation. Through early diagnosis and effective management of these conditions, your risk of stroke dramatically decreases. So make sure you get checked for these conditions. And if you’re worried about the treatment you are receiving, talk to your GP. There are also other things you can do to keep your heart healthy. Regular exercise, eating a healthy, balanced diet and reducing your salt intake, all help to lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of stroke.”

Go to the Stroke Association website for more information on high blood pressure and stroke and atrial fibrillation and stroke

To find your nearest pharmacy where you can get your blood pressure checked go to: Local Well Pharmacy / Lloyds Pharmacy

ENDS