How can strokes be prevented?
Up to 80% of strokes could be prevented. There are a number of risk factors associated with the condition including age, gender, ethnicity, socio-economic status, existing conditions such as high cholesterol, sickle cell disease, diabetes or Atrial Fibrillation (AF), previous Transient Ischaemic Attacks (TIAs) and other lifestyle factors including smoking, alcohol intake, weight and exercise levels. We want to reduce the number of people having a stroke in our region by helping clinicians to better manage their risks.
National guidance
The National Clinical Guideline for Stroke (2023) provides detailed recommendations for the clinical management of stroke and TIA, as well as support for secondary prevention and longer-term management:
- Acute stroke care: Section 3.2 Management of TIA and minor stroke – assessment and diagnosis and Section 3.3 Management of TIA and minor stroke – treatment and vascular prevention
- Long term management and prevention: Sections 5.1-28
The NHS regularly publishes data on a national, regional and locality level using GP practice data via the CVDPrevent audit.
Support available
The Greater Manchester system is working to bring together CVD prevention with many useful resources hosted here.
Primary care staff can access our Greater Manchester stroke training package and find out more about how the network can help GP practices better recognise stroke and TIA and manage patients with these conditions here. Other tailored online Greater Manchester stroke training is available for a range of health and social care professionals.
Home blood pressure monitoring has now been implemented by all our community stroke teams – further information can be found here.
We have a range of specifically resources aimed at the Muslim community that can be downloaded below.
We also have a programme of free, local training events that include topics on preventing stroke, with other online resources also signposted. We have a range of online webinars also available on our YouTube channel including two detailed sessions on blood pressure measurement and management.
The first few weeks following discharge from hospital after a stroke can be when patients are at highest risk. We have developed a checklist for primary care and community teams to ensure risks are appropriately managed to reduce the risk of another stroke.
Information about identifying and managing obstructive sleep apnea can be found here.
Our Voluntary Services Directory includes a range of local services aimed at improving lifestyle including more neurologically specialist services.
Useful resources
Professionals
British Heart Foundation – Healthcare professionals
British and Irish Hypertension Society
GMNISDN blood pressure management webinar and GMNISDN blood pressure measurement webinar
GMNISDN CVD prevention training resources for Muslims (in downloads)
GMNISDN Greater Manchester Stroke Care Pathway Training for Professionals
Greater Manchester hypertension management pathway and lipid management pathway for secondary prevention of CVD
GM Moving – including training and resources for professionals
NHS England – All Our Health – eLearning in alcohol, CVD prevention, obesity, healthy eating, physical activity and smoking
Personalised Care Institute – Physical activity and health – eLearning for professionals
Stroke Association – Stroke prevention and Atrial Fibrillation
Patients & public
British Heart Foundation – Atrial Fibrillation, High blood pressure, Understanding blood pressure leaflet and Understanding high cholesterol leaflet
Future Learn – Understand cardiovascular disease and learn how to keep your heart healthy & Causes of Human Disease: Understanding Cardiovascular Disease
Greater Manchester MyWay Diabetes
GM Moving – including activities available by borough
Stroke Association – Atrial Fibrillation and What can I do to reduce my risk of CVD and TIA
