New Delhi: UK’s Stroke Association says the number of Britons suffering a stroke is likely to jump by 59 percent in the next 20 years. New research shows high blood pressure and increased longevity are the two biggest reasons contributing to the health hazard.


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A study conducted by the charitable organisation seeking to prevent strokes in UK has revealed that a number of Britons suffering a stroke for the first time could rise from 117,600 in 2015 to 187,000 by 2035. It has been further found that the risk is the greater for people above 85 years of age.


The number of people likely to survive a stroke, however, may also rise, says the study. The figure for people over 45 years of age surviving a stroke could rise from 950,000 in 2015 to 2,120,000 by 2035 – a 123 percent jump.


According to a report in The Independent, the Stroke Association is asking for more investment in research to raise awareness and help in prevention. Dominic Brand, director of external affairs at the charity, has been quoted in the report, saying that there is a ‘desperate’ need for more investments to help UK avert a ‘stroke crisis.’


Brand also says that there are ‘tens of thousands’ in the country at a risk of stroke currently, but they are unaware of their condition.


In simple terms, a stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain stops, causing the brain cells to die within minutes. The primary symptoms of a stroke are sudden numbness in the face, arms or/and legs, dizziness, severe headache, and sudden trouble with eye sight.


While the UK may be staring at a crisis, stroke is also the fifth biggest cause of death in the US – according to a report published in medicalnewstoday.com. The situation is even more alarming in India where 1.5 million people suffer strokes on a yearly basis.


Medical experts say strokes kill more Indians than malaria, tuberculosis and HIV combined. Lack of awareness is largely seen as a deterrent in preventing stroke incidents in India.