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TUESDAY is national Stroke Awareness Day and the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Trust has called on people to be more aware of the symptoms of an illness that affects 150,000 people a year in the UK.

The trust is calling on people to use the FAST' test - check for facial weakness, arm weakness and speech problems - if they suspect they or someone else has suffered a stroke.

The trust's chief executive Ken Wenman said: "I would like to reassure people that by supporting this fantastic awareness day, the trust is not aiming to scare or lecture people in the local communities we are proud to serve, but merely to equip them with potentially life saving information.

"Strokes are the third largest killer in the UK and by providing people with vital information as to how to prevent strokes occurring and encouraging them to call 999 immediately if a stroke is suspected, may save lives, which is what the Trust aims to achieve."

A stroke is a medical emergency and anyone presenting with any stroke like symptoms should call 999 immediately. Each year an estimated 150,000 people in the UK have a stroke. Most sufferers are over 65 but anyone, including children and even babies, can be affected. In excess of a quarter of a million people have disabilities as a direct result of a stroke.

Although high blood pressure remains the biggest risk factor for stroke, 40% can be prevented if more people were aware of the importance of receiving treatment for high blood pressure.

There are also other lifestyle changes that can be made in order to reduce the risk of suffering from a stroke including: giving up smoking, limiting alcohol intake, eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables, reducing salt intake, taking more exercise and getting regular blood pressure checks.

The awareness day is spearheaded by the Stroke Association.

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