More strokes are occurring at an earlier age compared to a decade ago, according to new statistics by Public Health England (PHE) released to coincide with the relaunch of the Act FAST stroke campaign.

While the majority (59 per cent) of strokes occur in the older generation, PHE found that over a third (38 per cent) of first-time strokes happen between the ages of 40 and 69. In addition, the average age for males having a stroke fell from 71 to 68 years and for females, 75 to 73 years between 2007 and 2016.

Deaths related to stroke have declined by 49 per cent in the past 15 years, a result of better prevention and earlier and more advanced treatment.

Steve Brine MP, parliamentary under secretary of state for public health and primary care, commented: “Strokes still claim thousands of lives each year, so the message of this Act FAST campaign remains as relevant as ever. The faster you act, the greater the chance of a good recovery. That’s why I’m urging everybody, and we must remember stroke can hit at any age, to familiarise themselves with the signs of a stroke and be ready to act fast.”