Soap star Bhasker Patel supports stroke campaign

A new campaign fronted by Emmerdale actor Bhasker Patel hopes to raise awareness among south Asians of the common signs of stroke.

Stroke is the fourth largest cause of death in the UK and south Asians are at a higher risk of having a stroke than their white counterparts due to diabetes and high blood pressure being significant factors causing the condition.

Public Health England’s national Act FAST campaign draws attention to key symptoms:

• Face – has their face fallen on one side? Can they smile?

• Arms – can they raise both arms and keep them there?

• Speech – is it slurred?

• Act FAST - call 999

Patel said: “Stroke is a serious medical emergency which can cause disability and ultimately kill. I urge you to save your life, or somebody you love; think and Act FAST, call 999 if you notice any single one of the three key signs of a stroke. The speed in which you react can make the difference between life and death.”

New statistics reveal that stroke kills over 40,000 people a year and almost two-thirds leave hospital with a disability. People are most likely to have a stroke when they are 55 years of age or older, but south Asians are at a greater risk of experiencing a stroke at a younger age.