A stroke occurs when the blood supply to an area of the brain is reduced or blocked.

Strokes are the most common cause of a severe disability, problems include weakness of one side of the body, communication difficulties and difficulties with mental processes.

Risk factors include:
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Diabetes
Physical inactivity
Obestity
Smoking
Excessive alcohol intake

Between 2004-2006 just under 300 residents in Tower Hamlets died from a stroke, majority of these deaths occuring in those aged 75 and over.

For younger patients, (aged 35-64) the overall death rate from diseases relating to high blood pressure and strokes in Tower Hamlets is higher than the rest of the country, especially for men.

It is also suggested that there are a large number of people living undiagnosed with hypertension, which is one of the main risk factors for strokes and heart attacks.