Latest news with #JulietBouverieOBE
Time of India
16-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
New way of measuring blood pressure could be a lifeline for thousands of people
England: A new method for enhancing the accuracy of interpreting blood pressure measurements taken at the ankle may be critical for patients who are unable to have their arm blood pressure monitored. New research from the University of Exeter Medical School , analysed data from over 33,000 people to create a personalised predictive model for more accurately estimating arm blood pressure from ankle readings - when compared to previously available methods. The team has developed an online calculator for healthcare professionals and patients to interpret these readings effectively. High blood pressure affects over one billion people globally, increasing the risk of serious health issues like heart, brain, and kidney diseases. It's therefore very important to measure and interpret blood pressure readings as accurately as possible. While blood pressure is typically measured on the arm, sometimes this is not possible due to disability, missing limbs, or problems caused by conditions such as stroke. Blood pressure can be measured at the ankle instead, but these readings are generally higher than arm values. Standard guidelines for treating blood pressure are based on arm readings only, which creates complications in making accurate estimations based on ankle measurements, potentially leading to misdiagnoses. Professor Chris Clark from the University of Exeter Medical School led the study and said: "Our new method will give a more accurate blood pressure reading for around two percent more people. This doesn't sound a big number but remember, around a third of adults have high blood pressure and once you get into your 60s it's more than half of the adults. The NHS Health Check Programme diagnoses 38,000 new cases annually in England alone, so two percent equates to 750 fewer potential misdiagnoses per year in England, and tens of thousands globally." Researchers used statistical modelling on arm and ankle blood pressure readings from 33,710 people (mean age 58 years, 45 per cent female) across the world to help describe the relationship between arm and ankle blood pressures, predict arm blood pressure using ankle blood pressure readings, and predict important health outcomes (such as risk of heart attacks) from ankle blood pressure readings. This research could help address a health inequality by providing accurate and personalised blood pressure measurements for people who previously could not have their blood pressure measured accurately from their arm. It's estimated there are up to 10,000 adults currently living in the UK with upper limb loss, while 75 per cent of the country's 1.3 million stroke survivors have upper limb dysfunction, sometimes making it difficult to measure blood pressure from their arm. Juliet Bouverie OBE, CEO of the Stroke Association, said: "Someone in the UK has a stroke every five minutes, with high blood pressure accounting for around half of those. Around two-thirds of stroke survivors will leave hospital with some form of disability, including paralysis in an arm, which can prevent getting accurate blood pressure readings from the affected limb. Many stroke survivors feel anxious about having another stroke, so receiving an accurate blood pressure reading in the ankle will not only provide benefits in the primary prevention of stroke, but importantly in easing the minds of stroke survivors who are already dealing with the devastating impact of stroke." Professor Kevin Munro, Director of NIHR's Research for Patient Benefit Programme, said: "This research has identified an ingenious solution to an important problem - finding a way to measure blood pressure for people who cannot have it monitored via the upper arm. Keeping track of blood pressure is a vital tool to help keep people healthy and this NIHR-funded research will help to spot high blood pressure and treat it even more widely."
Daily Mirror
12-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
'My dad had a stroke in his 40s and now there are six health rules I follow'
After her dad had a stroke 14 years ago, reporter Alice Sjoberg has repeatedly been told she is at a higher risk of having one too and has since implemented several lifestyle changes to prevent it Just a week before my 13th birthday, my dad suffered a stroke. Initially, the medics at A&E were sceptical as he was a fit and healthy 40-year-old with no prior health issues. A stroke seemed out of the question, they thought. But their doubts evaporated when he began to struggle with speech and couldn't walk in a straight line. He was promptly admitted for treatment and further tests. In some ways, you could say he was one of the 'fortunate' ones. After a week-long hospital stay, he was discharged and embarked on a three-month home-based rehab journey, gradually recovering. Fast forward nearly 14 years, and you'd be hard-pressed to guess what he's been through. The only tell-tale sign is the array of pills he takes daily to keep another stroke at bay. Despite strokes being fairly common, as around 100,000 people in the UK experience one each year, according to the Stroke Association, many are unaware that there can be a genetic component. Speaking to the Mirror, the CEO of the Stroke Association, Juliet Bouverie OBE, explained: "There is a common misconception that strokes only happen to older people, but they can affect anyone of any age. Around a quarter of strokes happen to people of working age, under the age of 65, which could be down to a myriad of factors." Since I was a teen, I've been advised by numerous doctors and healthcare professionals that I need to consider alternative treatments and lifestyle decisions due to my elevated risk of having a stroke, given my dad's relatively young age at the time of his. As a result, I've made six lifestyle adjustments to try and stave off the possibility of enduring a stroke like my dad did. These are – 1. Prioritising my blood pressure health High blood pressure, or hypertension, is the leading risk factor for stroke. It's a condition that runs in my family, with both my parents and their parents having battled it. Because of this, this genetic predisposition doesn't bode well for me. My father suffered a stroke due to a blood clot, which could have been triggered by high blood pressure. Hypertension can damage your blood vessels, causing them to narrow and stiffen, and leading to a build-up of fatty material. Juliet explained: "The Stroke Association is encouraging people to have their blood pressure regularly checked. This can be done at the GP, participating pharmacies or blood pressure monitors can be purchased online or from the high street for around £20. "We also encourage people to attend the NHS Health Checks which are available for those over 40 in England and Wales and include a blood pressure check." To prevent hypertension, I regularly monitor my blood pressure through medical check-ups or using a home device. I also adhere to the NHS' guidelines for preventing high blood pressure, which involve a balanced diet, regular exercise, and moderating alcohol intake. 2. Embracing a healthier lifestyle While it may sound like a typical, even clichéd, approach to warding off illness or health issues, it genuinely does make a difference. I've never been particularly sporty, despite my teenage attempts to find an enjoyable, active pastime. However, as I've matured, I've come to appreciate the importance of hitting the gym. While weightlifting might seem dull, which I initially believed, I've learned to love it. Not only does it contribute to a healthy heart, crucial for stroke prevention, it also helps reduce blood pressure and slow down the process of artery clogging. 3. Prioritising breaks when necessary A few months before my father suffered his stroke, he was given medical leave from work due to extreme stress. The NHS states excessive work pressure can lead to stress, impacting our happiness and quality of life, and leaving us feeling physically and mentally unwell. After being urged to return to work prematurely, where he was immediately subjected to the same level of stress, he had the stroke. As a result, I've always prioritised listening to my body and am not afraid to take a day off if I need it. Using stress management tools – like mindfulness or meditation – can also be beneficial. 4. Monitoring my migraines The type of migraines I experience, which cause aura symptoms like blurred vision, dizziness, and heightened sensitivity to light and sound, have been linked to an increased risk of blood clots in previous studies. Despite my best efforts, I've found no way to prevent my migraines. However, I do keep track of when they occur and pay extra attention if they start happening more frequently. Talking about this, Juliet said migraines aren't necessarily anything to panic about. She added: "There is limited evidence that says people who have migraines may be at an increased risk of stroke, but more research needs to be done on this. Anyone with concerns should speak to their GP. " 5. Steering clear of certain contraceptives When I visited a gynaecologist with the intention of starting contraceptive pills to regulate my periods, I was surprised to be given some advice. The doctor informed me I couldn't use the combined pill or any other contraceptive method that uses both progestogen and oestrogen – due to their association with an increased risk of blood clots. The NHS states that 1 in 1000 people on the combined pill experience blood clots as a result of taking it. While these odds are relatively small and don't necessarily lead to a stroke, I'm still advised to avoid them given my already high risk due to my father's history and my migraines. 6. Rocking compression socks For years, my mum has been encouraging me to invest in compression socks for travel. They can also be useful when you're standing for long periods. Initially, I resisted. After all, what 20-something wants to wear compression socks out in public? However, it is important. When you're flying, your body's blood circulation isn't as efficient as usual. As a result, compression socks, which promote circulation and prevent blood from pooling in the legs, are often recommended to travellers of all ages as a preventative measure against blood clots. Now, I've got a comfy pair tucked away in my sock drawer for my next flight. If you think someone around you is having a stroke, Juliet recommends following the NHS FAST (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) test. This includes: Face – has their face fallen on one side? Can they smile? Arms – can they raise both arms and keep them there? Speech – is their speech slurred? Time – call 999 "Every second counts after a stroke hits, to minimise the brain damage caused and give the person the best chances of making a good recovery, both mentally and physically," she said. Or if you have any concerns about your health, you should book an appointment with a medical professional as soon as possible.
