Introduction

Stroke is the third most common cause of death in the developed world. One quarter of stroke deaths occur under the age of 65 years. There is evidence that appropriate diagnosis and management can improve outcomes [1]. A stroke is when blood stops flowing to a part of your brain. It can affect things like speech and movement, and take a long time to recover. A stroke needs urgent medical help in hospital because it can be life-threatening [2].

A stroke can happen to anyone at any age, but your risk may increase if:

• you're over 50 years old
• you're from a Black or South Asian background
• you have sickle cell disease (SCD)
• you have an unhealthy lifestyle
• you have migraines
• you take the combined contraceptive pill
• you're pregnant and have pre-eclampsia
• you've just had a baby [2].

Certain conditions also increase the risk of stroke. These include:

• high blood pressure (hypertension)
• diabetes
• irregular and fast heartbeats (atrial fibrillation)
• high cholesterol
• a transient ischaemic attack (TIA or mini stroke) [2].

Data Overview

The following data represents the percentage of patients with stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA), as recorded on practice disease registers (proportion of total list size). For 2023/24, Oldham has 5,024 people with stroke or TIA recorded. This is 1.9% of the population. This is equal to the England average and slightly lower than the regional average of 2%. Increases have been seen across Oldham, the North West and England since 2012/13. Rates of increase have been similar (circa 12%). Oldham has the 3rd lowest rate across Greater Manchester, yet still has a rate above that of the Greater Manchester average. Oak Gables has the highest rate at 3% and The Duru Practice the lowest at 0.5%.

Figure 1: Stroke QOF prevalence trend
Source: NHS England

Figure 2: Stroke prevalence across Greater Manchester
Source: NHS England

Figure 3: Stroke prevalence by Oldham GP practice
Source: NHS England

Further Information and Resources

NHS Stroke Information
NHS stroke information relating to symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, recovery, causes and support.

Stroke Association
Discover insights into causes, symptoms, prevention, rehabilitation, services and support the Stroke Association offers for stroke survivors or anyone involved with stroke.

OHID Data Profiles
OHID data profiles including additional data and information relating to stroke.

References

[1] OHID data profiles, https://fingertips.phe.org.uk/profile/cardiovascular/data#page/6/gid/1938133110/pat/223/par/E40000010/ati/66/are/nE38000135/iid/212/age/1/sex/4/cat/-1/ctp/-1/yrr/1/cid/4/tbm/1/page-options/car-do-0https://fingertips.phe.org.uk/profile/cardiovascular/data#page/6/gid/1938133110/pat/223/par/E40000010/ati/66/are/nE38000135/iid/212/age/1/sex/4/cat/-1/ctp/-1/yrr/1/cid/4/tbm/1/page-options/car-do-0, accessed January 2025
[2] NHS Stroke Information, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stroke/#:~:text=A stroke is when blood,it can be life-threatening., accessed January 2025