A Co Armagh man who suffered a stroke aged 22 has urged others to be aware that high blood pressure is the biggest risk factor.
Around 18 months before Andrew Oliver (28) took ill, he was hospitalised for having high blood pressure which was twice the recommended limit.
At the time he was unaware that high blood pressure is the cause of almost half of all strokes.
He is speaking out about his experience to mark Stroke Prevention Day on Thursday to encourage others to have their blood pressure regularly checked.
New figures from the Stroke Association reveal that more than one third of UK adults do not know that high blood pressure is the biggest risk factor for stroke.
A study by the charity last month shows that 36% of people who have experience of, and therefore a connection, to stroke don’t know that high blood pressure is the biggest risk factor for the condition.
The Stroke Association also found 43% of those surveyed, who had no connection to strokes, were unaware of the link with high blood pressure.
Looking back on the months before he suffered a stroke in 2017, Mr Oliver said: “I didn’t even know high blood pressure could cause a stroke in young people.
“After attending a routine check-up with my doctor, I was shocked to find out that my blood pressure was twice the recommended levels.
“I had a two-week hospital stay where they helped treat the symptoms but not the cause, which I believe was the overwhelming stress and anxiety I was experiencing at that time.
“I really want more people to get their blood pressure checked out regularly – no matter what age they are.”
Mr Oliver has set up his own blog, The Long Road Ahead, to help other young people who have endured a stroke or brain injury.
He wants people to know that your life is not over after a stroke and what help is available.
Alasdair O’Hara, NI director at the Stroke Association, said: “Around 4,000 people in NI have a stroke every year.
“Worryingly, this has been increasing over the last 20 years, particularly amongst people of working age. Stroke changes lives in an instant and can impact on a stroke survivor’s ability to live physically and mentally well.
“We’re encouraging adults of any age to get their blood pressure checked on a regular basis.
“This will equip them with knowledge on whether they are at risk of having a stroke so that they can take steps to reduce their chances, if required.”
Free blood pressure checks are available from the GP and participating pharmacies, while Chest, Heart and Stroke Northern Ireland offer well checks, including a blood pressure check.
For further information, please call the Stroke Association’s Stroke support helpline on 0303 3033 100.
