The NHS has raised concerns about a shocking rise in strokes among people in their 50s.

The number of people aged 50 to 59 suffering from the potentially fatal condition has increased by 55 percent in the last 20 years.

Around 12,533 Britons in this age group had a stroke, in which blood flow to the brain is cut off, in 2023/24, compared to 8,063 in 2004/05.

The total number of people hospitalized after stroke has increased by 28 percent since 2004.

NHS England data shows there are 111,137 admissions in 2023/24, compared to 87,069 two decades ago.

This increase has been driven in part by an aging population and the impact of unhealthy lifestyles on the nation’s cardiovascular health.

Stroke numbers also increased by 42 percent among those aged 60 to 69 and by 25 percent among those aged 70 to 79.

The NHS has raised concerns about a shocking rise in strokes among people in their 50s. Health Secretary Wes Streeting (pictured) said of the latest NHS analysis: ‘These figures are shocking and even more shocking given that causes of stroke such as high blood pressure and poor diet are largely preventable.

NHS national medical director Professor Sir Stephen Powis said the figures showed strokes were ‘not just a risk for older people’ and everyone should be aware of the symptoms.

The NHS is this week introducing its ‘ACT FAST’ campaign, which aims to inform the public about the signs of stroke.

The acronym FAST stands for: people should watch out for a flabby ‘Face’; inability to lift an ‘Arm’; slurred or awkward ‘Speech’; and if these symptoms are noticed, know that it is ‘Time’ to call 999.

An accompanying television commercial features examples of victims showing signs of stroke; these include a man trying to smile, a decorator who can’t lift his paintbrush, and a grandmother trying to read a bedtime story.

Without prompt treatment, paralysis can cause death or disability, including paralysis, memory loss, and communication problems.

Experts have said the rise in hospital admissions for stroke among people in their fifties may be linked to a range of factors, from better detection and reporting to obesity, poor diet, high blood pressure and lack of exercise.

Professor Powis added: ‘We know that lifestyle (factors) can increase the risk of stroke and can have a significant impact on cardiovascular health for working-age people in their fifties and sixties.’

NHS national medical director Professor Sir Stephen Powis (pictured) said the figures showed strokes were ‘not just a risk for older people’ and everyone should be aware of the symptoms.

With 38,000 deaths from stroke each year in the UK, stroke is the fourth leading cause of death, although survival is improving.

Over the last few years, NHS teams have introduced new methods to identify those with major risk factors for stroke; These include blood pressure checks in pharmacies for people over 40, the provision of free blood pressure measuring devices to 220,000 people at high risk, and rapid recycling. from blood thinners.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting said of the NHS’s latest analysis: ‘These figures are shocking; These figures are even more shocking considering that causes of stroke, such as high blood pressure and poor nutrition, are largely preventable.

‘Prevention will always be better than cure.

‘Not only because it means helping people live well for longer, but because a healthy workforce supports our mission of growth.’