New data has revealed that more Tasmanians are experiencing strokes, compared to Australians living in any other states and territories.
Stroke Foundation's Economic Impact of Stroke report found that in 2023, Tasmania recorded the highest per population rate of stroke (205 per 100,000 residents), compared to the national average of 176 per 100,000 residents.
Tasmania is well ahead of two of the country's highest populated states, New South Wales and Victoria, where 181 per 100,000 and 174 per 100,000 residents experienced a stroke, respectively.
Stroke Foundation Acting Executive Director of Stroke Services and Research, Kelvin Hill, says there are many factors that contribute to this number.
"In general the population is growing and ageing, we are living longer, more sedentary lives. Our physical and social environments are influencing lifestyle choices, putting people at increased risk of stroke at a younger age. At the same time there is a clear lack of community knowledge of stroke risk factors and signs."
With the support of the Tasmanian Government and leading clinicians, Stroke Foundation is working to help lower stroke numbers, by delivering crucial programs to improve stroke awareness, treatment quality and stroke recovery improvements such as F.A.S.T. Community Education, Living Well After Stroke, StrokeLine Navigator and Stroke Community of Practice StrokeLink initiatives.
"These programs are pivotal in supporting the state's health system, enhancing patient recovery and improving community awareness and prevention," Mr Hill said.
There are currently 11,275 Tasmanians living with stroke and 23 per cent of the population is living with high blood pressure; the leading modifiable risk factor of stroke.
"The good news is 80 per cent of strokes are preventable so making lifestyle changes like a balanced diet, regular exercise, quitting smoking and reducing alcohol intake can all contribute to reducing your risk of stroke."
Stroke Foundation is also urging Tasmanians to think F.A.S.T. and learn the signs of stroke.
"Time is critical. When a stroke strikes it attacks up to 1.9 million brain cells per minute so it is important to get specialist treatment as quickly as possible. This all starts with knowing the signs. The faster a stroke is detected and the faster an ambulance is called, the better the chance of survival and a good recovery."
There is an easy way for everyone to learn the signs of stroke. The F.A.S.T. test involves asking these questions. Face: Check their face. Has their mouth drooped? Arms: Can they lift both arms? Speech: Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you? Time is critical. If you see any of these signs call triple zero (000) straight away.
