Stress of 21st century life puts Britons at greater risk of stroke, study warns

Around one in seven Britons are feeling 'extremely stressed'...  they are at a higher risk of suffering a stroke, research suggests. Almost one in five women and one in 10 men feel their stress levels are out of control, according to the poll of 2,000 people. 

Experts warned that stress pushes up blood pressure, putting people at higher risk of stroke.Rising stress levels: British men and women could be more likely to suffer a stroke due to their fast-paced lives.

A poor diet and lack of exercise also contribute to the chances of suffering a stroke.
Stroke is the third commonest cause of death in England and Wales after heart disease and cancer, killing more than 67,000 people every year. An estimated 150,000 people annually suffer a stroke.

Today's survey, from the Stroke Association and Siemens, found almost a fifth of people said they 'take no exercise whatsoever'.
A similar number said they manage only 30 minutes of exercise once a week.

Over a quarter of middle-aged people (45 to 54) said they never exercise, despite suffering the highest stress levels - with almost half ranking themselves as more than 'moderately stressed'. Overall, 40 per cent of Britons surveyed said they were unaware of the link between exercising and lowering the risk of stroke.

James Beeby, head of corporate fundraising for the Stroke Association, said: "The research is incredibly worrying and emphasises the need for the public to be aware of the dangers of stroke.

'Stroke is the UK's third biggest killer and we'd encourage as many people as possible to take part in Stroke for Stroke week - and help to raise awareness as well as vital funds.
'It's imperative that people take regular exercise and modify their diet to reduce the risk of suffering a stroke.'

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