Stroke Awareness and the Importance of Blood Pressure Checks
Stroke Week, held in the first week of October, raises awareness about stroke prevention and early response. It also leads into the Big NZ Blood Pressure Check, encouraging New Zealanders to monitor one of the most significant risk factors for stroke.
Why Blood Pressure Matters
High blood pressure is a leading cause of stroke. In New Zealand, stroke is the second leading cause of death. Approximately 9,000 New Zealanders experience a stroke each year, with around 2,500 fatalities. On average, 24 people suffer a stroke every day.
Stroke is also a major cause of adult disability. Many individuals live with long-term effects that require ongoing care and support.
What Is a Stroke?
A stroke, sometimes referred to as a brain attack, occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is suddenly interrupted. This disruption prevents the brain from functioning properly and can lead to lasting damage to brain cells. The effects can be severe and, in many cases, lifelong.
Who Is at Risk?
Anyone can have a stroke, although risk increases with age. Around 75% of strokes occur in people over 65. Māori and Pacific peoples have a higher risk, and men are more likely to experience a stroke than women. However, women face increased risk during pregnancy.
Managing Risk Factors
High blood pressure significantly increases the risk of stroke — up to seven times higher compared to someone with normal levels. Many people are unaware they have high blood pressure, making regular checks essential.
Other common risk factors include:
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Family history
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Heart disease
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Heart rhythm disorders (e.g. atrial fibrillation)
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Smoking
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Diabetes
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High cholesterol
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Use of oral contraceptives
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Excessive alcohol consumption
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Being overweight
Stroke risk often results from a combination of these factors over time. Having multiple risk factors further increases the likelihood of a stroke. The good news is that many of these risks can be managed. Regular blood pressure checks and discussions with a healthcare professional can help reduce overall risk.
Recognising the Signs of Stroke
Recognising the signs of a stroke and acting quickly can significantly improve outcomes. The sooner treatment begins, the greater the chance of reducing brain damage.
Common symptoms include:
- Sudden weakness or numbness in the face, arm, or leg (especially on one side)
- Sudden blurred or loss of vision in one or both eyes
- Sudden difficulty speaking or understanding speech
- Sudden dizziness, loss of balance, or difficulty coordinating movements
The specific symptoms depend on which part of the brain is affected. A stroke on one side of the brain will typically affect the opposite side of the body.
Act FAST
The FAST campaign helps people recognise the key signs of stroke and respond quickly:
- F – Face: Is one side of the face drooping? Can they smile?
- A – Arm: Is one arm weak? Can they raise both arms?
- S – Speech: Is their speech slurred or unclear? Can they speak at all?
- T – Time: Time is critical — call 111 immediately
Stroke Is a Medical Emergency
Even if symptoms appear briefly or are painless, it is essential to call 111 right away. FAST highlights the main symptoms, but strokes can present in different ways. If a stroke is suspected for any reason, immediate action is crucial.
For more information:
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