Stroke Association comments on the drop of death rates from heart attacks and stroke in a decade

Dr Richard Francis, head of research awards at the charity, said: ‘We welcome the study which shows there has been a decrease in the number of deaths from stroke.

‘However the study also reveals the prevalence of stroke has not changed, highlighting more work is needed to reduce the number of people developing these diseases.

At least 80 per cent of strokes can be prevented by changing lifestyle and taking the appropriate medications.

‘Having regular blood pressure checks, eating healthily, getting active and stopping smoking can make a big difference in reducing one’s risk of stroke.’