ITV Lorraine star issues warning to Leicester's South Asian communities about high stroke risk

About 100 people die every day from strokes in the UK according to the NHS, partly due to the time taken to recognise the symptoms. And a new national campaign is focussing on South Asian communities, including those in Leicestershire.

The campaign warns that people from the Indian subcontinent face a bigger risk of dying from a stroke due to factors such as a higher prevalence of high blood pressure, diabetes, and other conditions including sickle cell disease.

The campaign features broadcaster and medic Dr Amir Khan, known for appearances on ITV's Lorraine and Good Morning Britain, who has been stopping Asian people in the street to test them on their knowledge of stroke symptoms.

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He said: "A stroke strikes every five minutes in the UK, and we know that our community is at greater risk of stroke, at a younger age. So, it’s crucial that we’re all aware of the symptoms and that we call 999 without delay.

"The first sign of a stroke actually might not seem like much, but every minute is vital – getting quick access to specialist treatment can be life-saving and can reduce long-term disability.

"Whether someone is unable to raise their arm, struggling to smile or slurring when they speak – any sign is always an emergency and you need to call 999 immediately.”

Strokes are the fourth single leading cause of death in the UK, with 38,000 stroke-related deaths each year. The NHS campaign is highlighting the fact that calling 999 immediately means that a stroke can be diagnosed and treated earlier.

Statistics show that the average time between someone first having symptoms and calling 999 was nearly an hour and a half.

The early symptoms of stroke can include:

• struggling to smile

• not being able to raise your arm

• slurring when you speak

• weakness or numbness down one side of your body

• blurred vision or loss of sight

• finding it difficult to think of words

• confusion and memory loss

• feeling dizzy or falling over

• a severe headache