Awareness of stroke symptomatology and cardiovascular risk factors amongst stroke survivors

Effective treatments exist for the acute management and prevention of stroke, but their uptake depends upon public awareness of stroke symptoms and cardiovascular risk factors. We evaluated the extent of both types of knowledge amongst high-risk individuals. Furthermore, we determined whether knowledge of risk factors, and appreciation of personal risk, influences risk avoidance behaviour.

A validated comprehensive questionnaire assessing knowledge of stroke symptoms and personal risk factors was completed by stroke survivors across the United Kingdom.

Questionnaires were completed by 622 stroke survivors (age range, 18-91 yrs; mean, 55.4 yrs). Recall of all 3 cardinal stroke symptoms (face, arm or leg, and speech disturbance) was made by only 14% of respondents, with 34% citing none of these symptoms. Knowledge of any established stroke risk factor was cited by 55% of respondents, with the remainder believing that stroke occurs because of chance. Similarly, 45% did not acknowledge that having had a previous stroke predisposed to future cardiovascular disease. Respondents recognising their own personal future risk were more likely to consume less alcohol (P < .0001) and salt (P < .005) and to eat more fruits and vegetables (P < .02).

Knowledge of stroke symptoms and cardiovascular risk factors is poor amongst high-risk stroke patients. However, an awareness of personal risk of future stroke increased the likelihood of adopting secondary prevention behaviours after stroke. Our results have important implications for the prevention of secondary vascular disease in stroke patients and the effects of public health campaigns on high-risk stroke groups.