Shropshire stroke risk is the second highest in UK
People living in Shropshire are the second most likely in the UK to suffer a stroke, new research has found.
The Stroke Association has said people in the county have the highest blood pressure in the West Midlands, putting them at increased risk.
The ideal blood pressure recording is 120/80 but in Shropshire the average is 143/79, second highest to people in North East Lincolnshire.
But residents of Powys are among the least likely to suffer a stroke, with blood pressure readings of 131/77, putting them in the lowest five in the UK.
The Stroke Association released the results of over 54,200 blood pressure readings taken at their Know Your Blood Pressure events, many of which are run in partnership with the Rotary Club.
Health bosses in Shropshire said more than 35 per cent of the county's adult population has high blood pressure – and almost three per cent (2.9 per cent) has suffered a stroke.
In Telford & Wrekin it is estimated that 2.5 per cent of people aged over 16 have suffered a stroke or Transient Ischaemic Attacks (TIA).
Dr Mike Innes, chair of Telford & Wrekin clinical commissioning group, said: "High blood pressure can lead to more serious conditions such as stroke, if left untreated.
"We would like to remind people between 40 and 74 that they should go for a free health check when they receive an invite from their GP. By having a health check we can identify any potential risk of illness and discuss how to reduce this risk."
The lowest reading in the West Midlands came from Herefordshire, with an average of 126/74. But Dr Innes said the situation in Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin could get worse quickly.
He added: "Similar to the national picture, we have an ageing population and as a result we could see increases in long term conditions such as strokes."
Hugh Tibbits, regional head of operations at Stroke Association, said: "High blood pressure can be brought on by poor diet, smoking and stress. However, in many cases high blood pressure can be controlled by making healthy lifestyle changes or taking medication."
Dr Caron Morton, accountable officer for Shropshire CCG, said: "This may be due to the ageing population within Shropshire or could be a reflection of the good work carried out in GP practices to identify, diagnose and record these conditions.
"We have worked with the patients group to help develop a long term conditions strategy."
