STROKE PREVENTION DAY - 30th January 2025

Today the Stroke Association are focussing on reducing high blood pressure as part of their Stroke Awareness Campaign (www.stroke.org.uk/stroke-prevention-day ). I know personally how important blood pressure checks can be and it is an easy way to monitor heart health.

The cause of Strokes are varied and may not always show up in blood pressure checks alone; or at all. Based on Diane’s stroke history, due to a cavernoma, her blood pressure gave no clue to what was about to happen. In fact it had always shown a satisfactory level and continued to do so every time the paramedics came to call. So, what to do?

If you notice changes in normal behaviour, things that are out of character -particularly mood swings and unusual events such as staring, or ‘switching off’ and then switching back on again - try and get you partner to a doctor. Keep a record of these events, if you can, to inform the debate. I knew there was something going on and Diane’s friends had spotted the changes too. Needless to say I couldn’t force medical intervention, but this could be the start of something big. Be alert.

The background to Diane's stroke is considered in the book. I hope it helps.