In Scotland, over 70,000 people have a ‘silent killer’ which is one of the leading causes of serious strokes – and many more may be unaware that they have it.
Atrial fibrillation – or AF – is a cause in around one in five strokes and these are often more severe, with higher mortality and greater disability.
AF is when your heart beats with an irregular rhythm. When this happens, your heart won’t empty all of the blood out of its chambers with every beat. Then, if your heart chambers aren’t empty, the leftover blood can form clots which travel from your heart into the brain, blocking off blood flow and causing a stroke.
AF sometimes has symptoms including palpitations – feeling as if your heart is fluttering, thumping or skipping a beat – fatigue, feeling breathless or having chest pain. But often it’s symptomless, which is why it often goes undiagnosed, until it’s too late.
The good news is that AF can be picked up and treated after a simple check.
So, on Stroke Prevention Day, Thursday 25 January, we are encouraging the public to check their own pulse at home.
A video on our website shows how you can quickly and easily test yourself by placing two fingers on your wrist or neck www.stroke.org.uk/spd24.
Normal heart rate: your pulse should feel regular. Most people have a resting heart rate between 60 and 100 beats per minute (bpm).
Abnormal heart rate: your pulse may feel uneven or skip a beat. Your resting heart rate could be over 120 bpm.
If your pulse is irregular, or very fast when you are at rest, you should contact your GP.
A new, pilot mechanical thrombectomy service for stroke patients in the East of Scotland has been launched today.
The pilot will be based at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and will help pave the way for an eventual national service set to benefit hundreds of people who have been struck with a life-threatening stroke.
John Watson, Associate Director of the Stroke Association in Scotland said: “This service is long awaited, overdue, but very welcome indeed.
“Thrombectomy is a remarkable procedure. It involves inserting a long tube into an artery in the leg, which is then fed through the body to reach the blood clot in the brain. The blood clot is then captured in a mesh and pulled out.
“The removal of the clot allows blood flow to resume and oxygen to reach the brain, halting the damaging effects of the stroke. These are blood clots which are too big to be broken down by clot-busting drugs and are usually associated with severe strokes and the worst outcomes for patients.
“Around one in every three people who receive a thrombectomy following their stroke will be less disabled as a result. Around one in five will be able to function completely independently afterwards.
“Thrombectomy has the power to save lives and reduce disability for around one in every ten people who have a stroke.
“The Edinburgh-based pilot is an important milestone on the road to a national 24/7 thrombectomy service for Scotland. A pilot service for the North of Scotland based in Dundee, has been underway since November last year, and we look forward to a third thrombectomy centre in Glasgow coming online next year.”
In addition to improving quality of life, thrombectomy generates substantial savings for the NHS by reducing the need for other interventions or care in the future. Research indicates that, on average, every thrombectomy procedure saves the NHS £47, 000 over a 5-year period.
A stroke is a brain attack. The effects can be devastating. Stroke is a leading cause of severe adult disability. Almost two thirds of survivors leave hospital with a disability. Many have problems with speech and communication, thinking and vision. It can also affect peoples’ emotions and personality.
Alison Maclean, 72, from Dundee had her stroke just before lockdown in January 2020. It was a massive stroke that could have taken away her independence, but following a thrombectomy, she regained full function and has gone back to the life she had before her stroke, almost unchanged.
Angela said: “I am back to doing all the things I did before my stroke: seeing friends and family, reading, watching telly, going on my exercise bike and for walks.”
See foot of article for Angela’s story
John continued: “We want all eligible patients to have access to this game-changing treatment, as quickly as possible. But thrombectomy cannot deliver in isolation. It needs to be part of a new, re-shaped service covering the whole pathway from 999 call, to hospital treatment, recovery and rehabilitation.
“The Scottish Government recognises the need for stroke improvements, which is extremely encouraging. It already has a draft framework of what its own advisors, stroke clinicians and the wider stroke community including the Stroke Association want to see. This is the result of good work by all involved.
“We look forward to seeing the final report and recommendations at the end of the year. But of course, it is the delivery of change and improvement that really matters so we look forward even more, to a commitment early next year to publish a plan to deliver on it.”
Alison Maclean’s stroke story of receiving a thrombectomy
Alison Maclean, 72, from Dundee had her stroke during lockdown in January 2021. It was a massive stroke and she received a thrombectomy resulting in enormous success. The stroke could otherwise have left Alison unable to talk or walk.
I had an accidental fall on 21 Jan 2021. I rang NHS24 in complete agony. Two dayslater I was in hospital getting it checked out.
I had a fractured femur which was put in a plaster-cast and an operation was planned on 26th Jan 2021. On the morning of my operation, I suddenly developed left sided weakness, vision difficulties and problems speaking.
The doctor in the orthopaedic ward called for help. I don’t remember very much other than being asked to lift my arm and lift my leg and answer questions.
I thought I was ok, but the next thing I remember is the doctor telling me that he thought I might have had a stroke. I believe I was rushed in to a room to get a brain scan following which I underwent a thrombectomy. Apparently some blood had leaked from my femur bone causing a clot thereafter the stroke.
The next thing I remember was being in ICU. A nurse came up to me and told me that I’d had a stroke and had just received a procedure to remove a blood clot to help with my recovery.
I was quite relaxed about being told about the fact that I’d had a stroke, but my son called me and he was very distressed about it. I guess he had had to deal with the stress of seeing his Mum in a life-threatening situation making decisions on my behalf. I was unaware of how ill I was at the time, so there are big gaps in my recollection of what happened.
I felt fine following the procedure and apart from my hand shaking uncontrollably for the first day, everything else seemed normal. I was discharged on 2 February 2021. I feel great, just the same and I am back to doing all the things I did before my stroke: seeing friends and family, reading, watching telly, going on my exercise bike and for walks.
Lockdown has been absolutely fine. I’ve been in a bubble, so have had some company and when lockdown eased briefly last summer, I met a few friends and we’d have a cup of tea and biscuit together.
I am very positive about thrombectomy and the fact it probably saved my life. It should be available to everyone who needs it. My life is back to normal and that may never have happened if I had not received a thrombectomy.
Rangers fan Dave Smith is running from Glasgow to Liverpool and back again to raise funds for the Charity Foundation.
Rangers fan and long-time friend and supporter of the Rangers Charity Foundation, David Smith, is running his own ‘550 challenge’ from Ibrox to Anfield and back as a tribute to the Rangers team and manager after winning their 55th title.
David, 55, left Glasgow on 2nd June for the challenge of a lifetime running 22 marathons in 22 days, or over 550 miles, after suffering a stroke in December last year and losing his ability to read and write due to ‘aphasia’.
He is raising money for the Rangers Charity Foundation and the Stroke Association and is due to arrive back at Ibrox on 23 June at 2.30pm.
David said: “I had an Ischemic stroke on December 8 and after 24 hours of touch and go I survived – I knew I was going to be okay, but I couldn’t actually speak to tell the people around me.
“Three days later, I was up and walking about, running up and down the stairs. I was told I was supposed to be in for a month, but I was able to leave after 15 days.
“I believe my fitness pulled me through, I knew I had to have a plan to beat this stroke, I wanted to run it off.
“I’ve been lucky, but not everyone is the same so I’m doing this run in support of the Stroke Association, who do wonderful work for those less fortunate than myself.
“I’m also running for my usual charity, the Rangers Charity Foundation, who do a lot of work in the local community and help a number of different charities, including Unicef.
“Going to Liverpool and back is in tribute to Steven Gerrard who delivered the 55th league title and got me through my darkest days.”
Rangers Charity Foundation Fundraising Executive, David Henson, said: “David has been a supporter of the Foundation for many years, but this is the most extreme challenge he has taken on.
“We have been cheering David on every step of the way and are extremely grateful for the support which will allow us to continue our community and charity work. His positivity and resilience truly is inspirational.”
Angela MacLeod, Communications Manager at Stroke Association Scotland, commented: “Aphasia affects a third of stroke survivors. It can affect a person’s ability to speak, write and read.
“It can be devastating, affecting relationships, employment and accessing basic things in society. To think David only had his stroke in December is incredible. I’m sure his grit and determination, demonstrated through his taking part in this event, is leading to his amazing success.”
The Stroke Association in Scotland is planning to support hundreds more people affected by stroke as they recover from the effects of their stroke and impact of lockdown in the aftermath of the pandemic.
The charity has received a Lottery award from The National Lottery Community Fund to help develop and expand its peer support offers to help people affected by stroke, rebuild their lives again.
John Watson, Director Scotland of the Stroke Association said: “As well as the physical disabilities caused by stroke, there are many other stroke related difficulties less visible but just as important. For example, a third of stroke survivors in Scotland will experience depression.
“We are delighted to be granted this award from The National Lottery Community Fund who has recognised the value of our support services and need for them to grow – particularly at this time. Our Recoveries At Risk survey last year highlighted that just under half of people affected by stroke felt less able to cope with the impact of their stroke during lockdown.
“In response to the pandemic, we are delivering new support offers in Scotland that aim to address the psychological impact of stroke – particularly the emotional needs of people affected by stroke.
“We will use the funding to continue and expand the support options for people recovering from stroke throughout Scotland. That support will help stroke survivors connect with local groups, facilitate Zoom meetings, and run face to face support groups. They will also receive vital information to help with their own self-management.”
Heather Melville-Hume from Galashiels, was only 43 when she had her stroke two and a half years ago. It came completely out of the blue. In an instant, her life changed as she knew it.
Heather was unable to walk confidently or use her lower right arm and dominant hand. The fatigue that came after her stroke was overwhelming. Everything felt like a huge mountain to climb – both physically and emotionally.
And as if that wasn’t hard enough to deal with, Heather then lost her husband who she had been with for seven and a half years.
She said: “Nobody around me had been widowed at such a young age and there was no one I knew my age, dealing with the impact of a stroke. I was in a very lonely place.”
Heather heard about the charity’s stroke café via social media. And although initially anxious to join online and talk to people, something made her do it.
“I was delighted to feel at first like I didn’t need to say anything. People were just talking normally about everyday things, and it was very relaxed with a warm welcome by volunteers involved.
“After a while people started to talk about what sort of a week they’d had. And that’s when I heard some fascinating stories about peoples’ stroke experiences and how they were coping/had coped. I realised I was not alone, that every stroke comes with its challenges, but there is hope and you can get back to a new normal.
“I am delighted the Stroke Association in Scotland is receiving support from The National Lottery Community Fund. There is so much value in connecting with strangers with shared experiences in lifting your mood, spirit and importantly raise a smile on the hardest of days.”
ANOTHER BIG WINNER announced this morning was ELREC (Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council), who received almost £100,000.
The Forth Street-based organisation will use the funding ‘to continue supporting isolated women and activities will include exercise classes, arts and crafts workshops, a women’s health forum, and opportunities to practice talking and writing in English.
‘Participants will meet new friends and will benefit from a supportive network, improved wellbeing and increasing social interaction.’
The National Lottery Community Fund, Scotland Chair, Kate Still: said: “In these unprecedented times, it’s heartening to see the way Scottish communities are coming together to provide each other with support.
“I would like to congratulate the Stroke Association in Scotland on their award which is testament to the incredible efforts of their staff and volunteers. National Lottery players can be proud to know that the money they raise is making such a difference.”
The Stroke Association in Scotland is reminding people that stroke remains a clinical priority in Scotland amidst concerns that current stroke improvement work could be lost to Covid-19.
The charity is highlighting this on the day it launches its manifesto ahead of the Scottish Elections.
Colin Oliver, Public Affairs Officer for the Stroke Association in Scotland said: “Covid-19 has been tough for all of us.
“Thanks to the amazing commitment of some truly dedicated people working in the NHS and in social care, lives have been saved and people have been cared for. Stroke teams up and down the country, have in many areas managed to continue to offer specialist care and treatment to patients throughout the pandemic.
“We cannot thank them enough. We really do owe them a huge amount.
“But we are concerned. The fallout from Covid-19 is going to pose challenges for everyone in health and social care. Our Recoveries at Risk report[i] last autumn highlighted the real life impact of the pandemic on people recovering from a stroke. Emerging evidence of links between Covid-19 and stroke[ii] means that now, more than ever, a renewed national focus on stroke is needed in Scotland.
“Health officials have been working during the pandemic to review evidence and define what ‘a progressive stroke service for Scotland’ should look like. This will include improved stroke care bundle figures, improved stroke prevention measures, a national thrombectomy service and stroke-specific, person-centred rehabilitation. The charity is pleased that people affected by stroke will be included in the development of this work.”
A draft paper will be with the Scottish Government in the next few weeks. Whatever the outcome of May’s election the Stroke Association in Scotland expects the next government to push this work on, and for a new, improved, progressive stroke service to be implemented.
Around 10,000 people have a stroke every year in Scotland.[iii] Stroke and cerebrovascular diseases kill over 3,800 people annually.[iv] Many more have to live with the effects. There are now over 128 000 stroke survivors living in Scotland.[v] It’s estimated there will be almost 175 000 by 2035.[vi]
Stroke is a brain attack and happens when the blood supply to part of your brain is cut off and brain cells are damaged or die. The impact varies from person to person depending on which part of the brain is affected. It could be anything from wiping out speech and physical abilities, to affecting emotions and personality.
Brenna Collie from Strichen near Fraserburgh, had a stroke four years ago when she was just 14. Brenna was in her bedroom texting a friend when the phone slipped from her hand and she realised she couldn’t pick it up again.
“It happened very quickly. I lost all movement down the left side of my body. I couldn’t walk. My speech was all slurred and I couldn’t call for help. I have never felt so scared.”
She knows only too well that her life would be very different without the stroke specialist treatment and support she received.
Brenna received good care throughout her stroke journey. She underwent thorough investigations and received speedy access to treatment. She had intensive rehabilitation which helped her to walk again and begin to return to an independent life.
“I had to learn how to do things I took for granted like getting dressed and brushing my teeth. I have received amazing support from health professionals, my teachers at school, family and friends. But I’d be lying if I didn’t say how tough it’s been.
“After coming home from hospital, I started to have problems with anxiety and my self-esteem. At school, I was ‘the girl who’d had a stroke’, and many of my classmates didn’t understand what had happened, which made school challenging. That was hard and I felt very alone. But I’ve pulled through and my family have been my rock.”
After returning to school Brenna slowly picked up her hobbies again including cycling, archery and photography. In 2019, she won the prestigious Scottish Portrait Award Young Photographer Award for a self-portrait of how she felt the night she had her stroke.
During lockdown, Brenna took to cycling and has cycled 22 miles to Fraserburgh and back –a big moment for her. Her granny has also taught her how to knit over the lockdown period, which helps strengthen Brenna’s weak arm.
Brenna is now studying Primary Education at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh.
The Stroke Association in Scotland, is urging people to read its election manifesto launched today and to support its call for the implementation of a new progressive stroke service.
Colin said: “The implementation of a new, improved stroke service across the entire pathway from prevention to hospital treatment, rehabilitation and support, in tandem with forthcoming changes nationally to delivery of social care presents an opportunity for the next government to make a profound difference to the lives of thousands of Scots families.”
Stacey Miller from Paisley is supporting the Stroke Association’s ‘Hope After Stroke’ Christmas appeal, after her Mum, Andrea, had a stroke at the age of 45.
Thanks to the Stroke Association in Scotland, both Andrea and Stacey have been attending a Stroke Café that has been a life saver for both. It’s given them the opportunity to meet others who have been through a similar experience. The social interaction and peer support has given both them a belief that lives can be rebuilt again– that there is a glimmer of hope after stroke.
Andrea spent hours, days, and months undergoing intensive rehabilitation in hospital uncertain as to what the future may hold. But when Andrea left hospital six months later, Stacey was amazed with how far she’d come.
Although Andrea still relies on care, she is in her own home and that means the world to her. Having her two daughters and sister come in and look after her care needs is so much easier than being in hospital. And although Andrea’s communication difficulties have been challenging, she and her family have found new ways to communicate.
And now Christmas is upon us, Stacey is making preparations with her Mum.
Stacey says: “Mum loved Christmas, it was always a big thing for her. The stroke took away her freedom to make plans for Christmas and go out and about purchasing all the things that gave her and everyone else joy.
“We knew after the stroke Christmas would be a very different affair, but as Mum’s confidence has grown, she is now more involved. She participates in decisions over plans, presents etc., even if she can’t physically carry them out. Christmas is always more magical with kids around and Mum is loving the idea of being involved with my two year-old putting up the Christmas tree and looking at all the baubles and decorations together.
“It brings a tear to my eye, watching her with Noah John. It’s as if nothing has changed and her love of life is still there.
“But I’m aware of her ongoing needs. The Stroke Association in Scotland has been invaluable in offering a sense of purpose both to Mum and me, that life can be normal again.”
Stacey is asking people to make a donation to the Stroke Association’s work supporting people affected by stroke, as they rebuild their lives this Christmas.
Andrea Cail, Director Scotland of the Stroke Association said: “When someone’s life has been shattered by stroke, they may feel all hope is gone. But we also know that people cling onto even the smallest glimmer of hope. This is what powers them on to achieve what many thought would be impossible.”
The charity estimates that there are over 120,000 people living with the effects of stroke in Scotland, while around 15,000 people have a stroke every year.
“This pandemic has had a serious impact on our ability to raise funds through our usual community events and activities. Many people have praised the support they received from the Stroke Association, to help with that first glimmer of hope to rebuild their lives again.
“That support may be found in a call to our Helpline; through the friendship and support of our online community; or the ongoing support of a phone call from one of our lived experience volunteers. It takes time and money and people to provide this help. And that’s why we’re asking everyone across Scotland to donate to the Stroke Association and help give someone the gift of hope this Christmas.”
To donate or for more information about stroke and the vital role that hope plays in stroke recovery and rebuilding lives, please visit www.stroke.org.uk/hope
UK’s leading stroke charity warns research faces long-term threat due to coronavirus pandemic
Over three quarters (74%) of stroke research projects in Scotland funded by the Stroke Association have been suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Moreover, the UK’s leading stroke charity anticipates a shortfall of £1.5 million in its funding programme this year, to resume current research and support vital new projects.
The charity warns of a catastrophic knock on effect for stroke research which could delay access to important new life-changing treatments that allow people to rebuild their lives after stroke. This comes amidst reports of a link between stroke and coronavirus which places greater urgency on research.
There are around 15,000 strokes every year in Scotland and it is a leading cause of adult disability. Despite this, research remains underfunded in comparison to strokes devastating effects and other conditions, such as cancer.
This has been the case for many years. In 2016, the charity revealed that just £48 is spent on stroke research per patient, compared to £241 on cancer research.
This has now been compounded by the devastation that the coronavirus pandemic has had on the charity’s fundraising capabilities and researchers’ abilities to continue their work.
Over the past 30 years the Stroke Association has played a crucial role in supporting stroke research in Scotland. Last year, the charity invested over £2 million into stroke prevention, treatment and rehabilitation which is now under threat. Over 35% of the charity’s research funding is dedicated to research in Scotland.
Dr Rubina Ahmed, Research Director at the Stroke Association said: “Stroke happens in the brain, the control centre for who we are and what we can do. It changes lives in an instant.
“Our research has been at the centre of major breakthroughs that have saved lives and sparked innovation in stroke care and treatment. Our work lay the foundations for one of the most successful public health awareness campaigns in England, the Act FAST campaign, which helps people to recognise the signs and symptoms of stroke.
“We also funded early research into the new emergency stroke treatment, thrombectomy, the manual removal of stroke-causing blood clots. This has seen many patients spared the most devastating effects of stroke.
“But a lack of funding for research is now a ticking-time bomb. If we don’t act now the coronavirus pandemic could set back stroke research for years to come. The research community will struggle to get projects back up and running, but it’s vital for every stroke survivor and their loved ones that we do.”
Findings from the charity’s survey also reveal the broader impacts that the pandemic has had on stroke researchers:
One in five researchers (22%) will need more funding.
Two-thirds (66%) of researchers have said they need to make changes to their studies for their projects to continue. This could have added cost implications and change what the researchers had initially set out to achieve.
One in five (18%) research projects had team members redeployed to front line work NHS working, for example as neurologists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists.
Many of the charity’s researchers are working hard to resume their projects during these uncertain times.
Professor Joanna Wardlaw at the University of Edinburgh, is looking into the impacts of stroke on thinking and memory. This research project is funded in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Society and the British Heart Foundation.
She said: “Stroke continues to strike with devastating effects. But all of a sudden, due to coronavirus, we were forced to stop inviting new stroke patients to take part in our study.
“However, we responded quickly to change our plans and we’re now also recording information about coronavirus exposure and illness in stroke patients recruited into our study. This is incredibly important at this time and will help us to understand more about many aspects of the effect of the virus on stroke patients.
“We’ve been talking to stroke survivors across Scotland and the UK who are feeling the emotional impact of the pandemic and lockdown restrictions. We’ve seen a big increase in anxiety and low mood and it’s harder than ever to access support at this time. It’s only with funding by charities that we can carry out research to improve treatment for people affected by stroke.”
Dr Ahmed adds: “Stroke continues to strike every five minutes and as risk of stroke increases with age, it remains one of the greatest health challenges in our society.
“People can rebuild their lives after stroke but there is still much we don’t know. Research is crucial to find out why people are struggling, and new ways to overcome the challenges that millions of people affected by stroke face every day.
“The effects of the coronavirus pandemic will be felt by stroke survivors and researchers for years to come. If you can, please help raise vital funds so that we can find new ways to help prevent and treat stroke and help more stroke survivors to rebuild their lives.”
The Stroke Association fund critical research, provide specialist support and campaign to make sure people affected by stroke get the care and support they need to rebuild their lives. To find out more visit stroke.org.uk/research or to donate please go to: stroke.org.uk/donate-research
Training and taking part in a Resolution Run for the Stroke Association across Scotland could reduce your risk of stroke by one fifth (20%) according to Professor Tom Robinson, President of the British Association of Stroke Physicians. Continue reading Research shows that a Resolution Run can cut your stroke risk
Sainsburys Blackhall have just come to the end of their yearlong “Local Charity of the Year Partnership” with Muirhouse Youth Development Group.
Colleagues and customers at our Blackhall store helped to fundraise £7,050 for this good cause and would like to wish MYDG very good luck for the future.
Pictured above: Murray Dunnett, Dean Shanks, Amy Patterson and Chris Thomson. Murray and Amy have also been working with MYDG and MYadventure on the Bothy at Towford.
It is now time for Sainsburys Blackhall to decide on their next Local charity Partner of the year, and voting is now open for colleagues and customers to decide who they would like to help this year.
