For Stroke Prevention Day 2026 (29 January), we're encouraging you to monitor your blood pressure. That's because high blood pressure is the biggest risk factor for stroke.
If you have a high reading, you can help lower it by making some simple lifestyle changes.
Check your blood pressure – and take action to lower your risk of stroke.
By 2035, someone will have a stroke every three minutes – unless we act now
280
people have a stroke every day in the UK
414
daily strokes predicted by 2035
85,000
people survive a stroke every year
151,000
strokes expected per year by 2035
Over 400 people in the UK will have a stroke every day by 2035 – that’s one person every three and a half minutes, or 151,000 a year. Today, 280 people have a stroke daily, one every five minutes.
This rise is driven by an aging population and more people living with long-term conditions like high blood pressure, which increase stroke risk. That's why we're calling on the public, NHS and the Government to take action on prevention and care. Read the full story.
High blood pressure – are you at risk?
High blood pressure is the cause of around half of all strokes. It can lead to stroke in different ways. Certain genetic and lifestyle factors as well as health conditions can increase your risk of high blood pressure.
Take action to protect your health
Everyday choices like smoking or vaping, poor diet, drinking a lot of alcohol and lack of exercise can all contribute to high blood pressure. Here are some simple steps you can take to help lower your blood pressure and reduce your stroke risk.
- Stop smoking or vaping.
- Drink less than 14 units of alcohol a week, spread over at least three days.
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet.
- Take regular exercise – around 20 minutes of moderate movement a day.
Visit the managing risk section of our website for more information.
I had no idea how dangerous my blood pressure really was. I was walking around in blissful denial, not understanding that by not monitoring or managing it properly, I was putting my life at risk.
Claire, stroke survivor
Spread the word about high blood pressure and stroke
Help us raise awareness of the link between high blood pressure and stroke. Hang a poster in your office or share our images on social media.
It's on 29 January 2026. We hold this awareness event annually on the last Thursday in January.
It's an annual awareness campaign to educate people about stroke risk factors. The Stroke Association held the first Stroke Prevention Day in 2021 to help people understand and reduce their risk of stroke. Each year, we explore a different theme. Our 2026 focus is blood pressure, which plays a part in about half of all strokes.
Everyone can make a difference. Here are some simple ways to help.
- Monitor your blood pressure regularly – as high blood pressure is the biggest risk for stroke.
- Share our resources – spread the word on social media, at work, or with friends and family.
- Volunteer your time – join our team of volunteers and support stroke survivors.