HC Deb 04 July 2003 vol 408 cc547-8W
Mr. Paul Marsden

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average age is for(a) men and (b) women suffering strokes; and what the main causes of strokes are. [122392]

Dr. Ladyman

Around 110,000 people in England and Wales have a first stroke each year and the majority affect people over 55. Around 10,000 strokes a year occur in people under the age of 55.The summary report of the National Sentinel Stroke Audit, published in July 2002, showed that the mean age for stroke was 73 in men and 79 in women. A breakdown of these figures is shown in the table.

Age in years Percentage <65 Age in Years Percentage 65–74 Age in years Percentage 75+ Mean
Male 23 28 49 73 year
Female 11 19 70 79 year

There are two main types of stroke, and each has different causes. The first type, an ischaemic stroke, occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery serving the brain, disrupting blood supply. The second main type of stroke is a haemorrhagic stroke, when a blood vessel in or around the brain bursts, causing a bleed or haemorrhage. Main risk factors for stroke include:

  • Previous stroke
  • High blood pressure
  • Irregular heart beat
  • Other cardiovascular disease
  • Narrowing of a carotid artery
  • Diabetes
  • High cholesterol
  • Obesity
  • Alcohol misuse
  • Poor diet
  • Low levels of physical activity
  • Smoking

Mr. Cameron

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what support the Government give to stroke clubs and other organisations helping people who have suffered from strokes; and if he will make a statement. [123399]

Dr. Ladyman

At present, no Government funding is supplied specifically to stroke clubs. Our main source of funding to the voluntary sector is the Section 64 grant scheme. In 2002–03 £22 million was awarded to 394 different organisations. Application forms for the 2004–05 bidding round will shortly be available from the grants unit. Voluntary organisations which organise stroke clubs will be able to bid for these funds. Other organisations receiving Government grants may be helping people who have had strokes, but we do not hold this information centrally.