Stress affects more women than men

Wednesday, 5 January 2011 10:02 AM

Over seven million Brits are extremely stressed, risking high blood pressure, strokes and depression, new research has revealed.

Around 15% of people in the UK consider themselves extremely stressed heading into 2011, with the figure rising to nearly a fifth of women compared to a tenth of men.

In addition, almost a fifth of those surveyed said they don’t exercise at all, further increasing their risk of illness. A further fifth only manage 30 minutes of exercise once a week.

Stroke is the third most common cause of death in England and Wales after heart disease and cancer, killing more than 67,000 people every year. Around 150,000 people each year suffer a stroke.

The poll of 200 people was undertaken by The Stroke Association in conjunction with Siemens, ahead of the nationwide Stroke for Stroke week (January 24-30).

James Beeby, Head of Corporate Fundraising for The Stroke Association, said, "The research is incredibly worrying and emphasises the need for the public to be aware of the dangers of stroke.

"It is imperative that people take regular exercise and modify their diet to reduce the risk of suffering a stroke.”
 

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