The warning signs of a stroke and who's at risk, received from Saga, 2026 02 27

[Colin Howard]

Greetings,

I believe, no matter what age, we all need take note of this, strokes can
affect anybody with litttle or no warning.

Facial weakness, a sudden headache and dizziness can all be signs of a
stroke, we've got the facts from an expert.
By Natalie Mackenzie | Published - 22 Feb 2026

In the UK, statistics indicate someone experiences a stroke every five
minutes, with approximately 100,000 occurring every single year. Researchers
suggest the incidence rate is increasing, driven in part by lifestyle
factors and an ageing population, and will continue to do so.

With strokes being the fourth leading cause of death in the UK, it's more
important than ever to be aware of what the signs are to make sure you can
seek medical attention immediately.

Cognitive rehabilitation therapist Natalie Mackenzie explains who's most
vulnerable, what to look out for and how to minimise your risks.

What causes a stroke?

Simply put, a stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is cut off,
resulting in cell death. This affects the way your brain communicates with
your body, leading to several consequences. Strokes can strike at any time
and affect anyone, but keeping yourself healthy and fit can reduce your
risk.

The three types of stroke

Ischaemic stroke. This is the most common form of stroke, where a
blockage results in blood being unable to reach the brain. There are a
number of reasons why a blockage can happen, including some heart conditions
and issues with how the blood flows through the arteries.

Haemorrhagic stroke. These are caused by a bleed in the brain, are less
common and can be due to abnormalities with blood vessels in the brain. High
blood pressure and high levels of fatty deposits in your arteries can
increase the risks of this type of stroke.

Transient ischaemic attack. This is also known as a TIA or mini-stroke.
This is a major warning sign of a stroke, with the symptoms being similar
but they only last for a short period of time. Do not dismiss these
symptoms, even if they stop quickly. You should still get medical attention,
as rapid treatment can reduce the risk of having a full-blown stroke.

Who's most at risk?

Several things can increase your risk of strokes. The highest single risk
factor is high blood pressure and even small changes to high BP can make a
big reduction in your risk of stroke.

Other factors can include diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, heavy alcohol
consumption, family history and smoking.

Migraines, especially migraines with aura, are also linked to an increase in
stroke risk.

Strokes occur more frequently in certain groups of people, if you're south
Asian, African or Caribbean, your risk is higher, partly because rates of
diabetes and high blood pressure are increased in these groups.

Women also have additional risk factors, in particular during pregnancy, or
taking certain oral contraceptives.

Migraine affects more women than men and an increased risk of stroke is
linked to migraine with auras.

If you are concerned it's best to talk this through with your doctor.

A searing headache is one of the warning signs of a stroke

The warning signs of a stroke

The acronym FAST is the most common acronym to learn to ensure you know when
to call 999. But there are also other factors to consider as potential
symptoms, which is why I prefer the acronym BE FAST. Let's break them down.

B - Balance. Can the person walk normally?

E - Eyes. Are they experiencing blurriness or fuzzy vision, or lost
sight in one eye?

F - Face weakness. Has their smile changed? Have their face or eyes
drooped?

A - Arm weakness. A quick test is to check they can raise both arms.

S - Speech problems. Can they speak as usual and understand what you are
saying?

T - Time to call 999: if you see any of these signs above.

There are other red flags you need to be aware of too, including: sudden
weakness or numbness on one side of the body; sudden and severe headaches;
sudden confusion or memory loss and sudden dizziness or falls.

How can I reduce my stroke risk?

You can help reduce your risk of stroke by ensuring you attend regular GP
check ups as you get older, to ensure any changes in your body can be
identified and managed.

Follow the guidance on a healthy lifestyle, including not smoking, staying
within a healthy weight, eating a healthy diet and being active. It's also a
good idea to take any medication you're prescribed, especially if it's for a
condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure or atrial fibrillation,
which can all increase your risk of stroke.

If you experience any symptoms of BE FAST or witness anyone experiencing
them, even for a short time, call 999.

Immediate medical attention is critical. The sooner an affected person
receives treatment for a stroke, the less damage is likely to happen.

Written by: Natalie Mackenzie

Natalie Mackenzie is a cognitive rehabilitation therapist who has 20 years
of experience in supporting families with brain injuries, such as strokes.
She also supports individuals with fatigue and offers cognitive assessments.


Colin Howard, living in Southern England.