High blood pressure 'a major factor in strokes'
Author: Simon Macsis
Category: Insurance
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Having a stroke can be a life-damaging occurrence which results in paralysis, mental problems and death, yet many people are not doing enough to prevent it from happening.
According to the Stoke Association, common factors such as high blood pressure increase the chances of suffering an episode - something which can be easily regulated by lifestyle changes.
Joanne Murphy, research liaison officer at the UK-wide organisation, says around 40 per cent of strokes could be prevented if people had normal blood pressure.
She adds that it is therefore "vital" that people get tested for the condition sooner rather than later.
The organisation, which solely aims to combat strokes in people of all ages, calculates that 150,000 people a year have an attack in the UK, illustrating the need for health insurance.
Of this number, 67,000 people die, which should prompt people to make lifestyle changes to reduce their risk, Ms Murphy states.
"By improving your diet, drinking alcohol in moderation, not smoking and being active can all help reduce your risk of stroke," the expert explains.
Currently, stroke is the third biggest cause of death in the UK behind heart disease and cancer, another reason to sign up for health insurance cover.
A recent study published in the Lancet medical journal also revealed that current treatment for stroke patients may not be entirely effective.
According to the report, thigh-length graduated compression stockings usually used to reduce the risk of stroke sufferers experiencing deep vein thrombosis provide little or no assistance.
The research proves that current guidelines highlighting recommended therapies for stroke victims must be updated, Ms Murphy claims.
If studies show that a treatment is ineffective for stroke patients, we believe that they should be discontinued, she states.
The expert adds that the findings, which illustrate the need for health insurance, do not mean that patients should not be monitored closely to avoid any further complications, however.
"It is still vital to ensure they receive the best possible treatment," the healthcare specialist concludes.
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Keywords: personal accident insurance, health cover
View Count: 231
Date Submitted: 7/3/2009
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