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.
Our Voluntary Services Directory includes a range of local services aimed at improving lifestyle including more neurologically specialist services.
Useful resources
British Heart Foundation – Atrial Fibrillation – information for patients
Greater Manchester hypertension management pathway – information for clinicians
British Heart Foundation – High blood pressure and Understanding blood pressure leaflet – information for patients
Blood Pressure UK – information/resources for patients and professionals including in different languages
Greater Manchester lipid management pathway for secondary prevention of CVD – information for clinicians
British Heart Foundation – Understanding high cholesterol leaflet – information for patients
Greater Manchester MyWay Diabetes – website supporting residents with diabetes
NHS England – All Our Health – eLearning for professionals in alcohol, CVD prevention, obesity, healthy eating, activity and smoking
NHS England – Better Health – website supporting patients/public in adopting healthier lifestyles including obesity, smoking, activity and alcohol
GM Moving – website supporting residents to be more active including training and resources for professionals and activities available by borough
Personalised Care Institute – Physical activity and health – eLearning for professionals
Drinkaware – website supporting patients/public with alcohol reduction
British Heart Foundation Booklets & Guides – information for patients including: AF, BP, cholesterol, diabetes, healthy eating, physical activity and smoking
