Most people assume that having a stroke is more common in older adults however there is also a large percentage of people under 65 who are at risk of a stroke. The risk of having a stroke increases if a parent, grandparent, brother or sister has had a stroke.

There are so many factors that can increase your chances including the following:-

Gender, men are at a higher risk than women when under 55 years of age, after age 55 both sexes are at equal risk.

Smoking also increases the risk of a stroke

High blood pressure and high blood cholesterol also plays a part in adding to the risk of a stroke

If you have already had a stroke you are more at risk of having another.

Obesity and having a lifestyle which is inactive can push your percentage up

Although changing you lifestyle and eating habits can help to reduce the risk you may find it does not illuminate the problem. Therefore knowing the signs of stroke can help you reach medical help faster than if you are unaware of what is happening.

The most common signs of stroke are as follows:-

A feeling of confusion, not being able to speak, or understand people properly.

Numbness of the face, leg or arms particularly if down one side of your body

Vision problems in one or both eyes

Loss of balance, coordination.

Severe Headache.

These symptoms most commonly happen out of the blue and all of a sudden however it is possible for the symptoms to progress over few hours or even days.

You will not necessarily suffer from all of the warning signs of a stroke so it is important not to ignore any of them even if they seem to ease off.

If you know that you are at high risk then be prepared, carry emergency telephone numbers for hospitals and rescue services with you at all times. Know where the nearest hospital is when travelling.

If you are with someone who is showing signs of stroke call the emergency services immediately, you may find the person strongly disagrees with you as denial is common. However it is important to ignore the protest and get help as soon as possible.