NHS warns after stroke rate in over 50s increases by more than half

The NHS has raised concerns about a shocking rise in stroke rates among the over-50s.

The number of people aged 50 to 59 suffering from the potentially fatal condition has risen by 55 percent in the past twenty years.

Around 12,533 Britons in this age group suffered a stroke – cutting off the blood supply to the brain – in 2023/2024, compared to 8,063 in 2004/2005.

It comes as the overall number of people admitted to hospital after a stroke has risen by 28 per cent since 2004.

NHS England data shows there were 111,137 admissions in 2023/2024, up from 87,069 two decades earlier.

This increase is partly due to both an aging population and the impact of unhealthy lifestyles on the country’s cardiovascular health.

Stroke rates also increased by 42 percent among 60- to 69-year-olds, and 25 percent among 70- to 79-year-olds.

The NHS has raised concerns about a shocking rise in stroke rates among the over-50s. Health Secretary Wes Streeting (pictured) said of the latest NHS analysis: ‘These figures are shocking, and even more so considering the causes of stroke are largely preventable, such as high blood pressure and poor diet.

Professor Sir Stephen Powis, National Medical Director of the NHS (pictured), said the figures show that strokes ‘are not just a risk to the elderly’ and that everyone should be aware of the symptoms

Professor Sir Stephen Powis, national medical director of the NHS, said the figures show that strokes are ‘not just a risk to the elderly’ and that everyone should be aware of the symptoms.

The NHS is this week promoting its ‘Act FAST’ campaign, which hopes to inform the public about the signs of a stroke.

The abbreviation FAST means: people should beware of a hanging ‘Face’; an inability to raise one ‘arm’; slurred or strange ‘speech’; and if these symptoms are noticed, know that it is ‘time’ to call 999.

An accompanying television commercial features examples of victims showing symptoms of a stroke – including a man who struggles to smile, an interior designer who can’t lift his brush and a grandmother who struggles to read a bedtime story.

Without prompt treatment, a stroke can cause death or disability, such as paralysis, memory loss and communication problems.

Experts say the increase in hospital admissions for stroke among people in their 50s could be linked to a range of factors, from better detection and reporting to obesity, poor diet, high blood pressure and lack of exercise.

Professor Powis added: ‘We know that lifestyle [factors]…may increase the risk of stroke and have a significant impact on the cardiovascular health of working age people over the age of 50 and 60.”

With 38,000 deaths from stroke in Britain every year, it is the fourth leading cause of death – even though the survival rate is increasing.

In recent years, NHS teams have deployed new ways to identify those at greatest risk

factors for stroke – including blood pressure checks in pharmacies for the over 40s, free blood pressure monitors available to 220,000 people at risk, and early introduction of blood-thinning medicines.

Speaking about the latest NHS analysis, Health Secretary Wes Streeting said: ‘These figures are shocking, and even more so because the causes of stroke are largely preventable, such as high blood pressure and poor diet.

‘Prevention will always be better than cure.

‘Not only because it means that we help people live well for longer, but also because a healthy workforce supports our growth mission.’