Can a cuppa lower risk of stroke?

If you feel guilty for sitting down with a brew and a chocolate treat, console yourself with the news that research suggests such simple pleasures may help cut your stroke risk.

Stroke is the umbrella term for a clot or bleed in the brain and the condition is the nation’s third biggest killer, and the leading cause of severe disability, affecting around 150,000 Britons a year – which equates to one person every five minutes.

While the majority of those affected are older, a quarter are under 65 – like the 53-year-old BBC broadcaster Andrew Marr, who is currently recovering from a stroke he suffered in January. Marr was fit and a keen runner, proving there’s no cast-iron guarantee of avoiding the condition.

However, a healthy lifestyle certainly goes a long way towards reducing the risk of suffering a stroke. A new Swedish study suggests that drinking at least four daily cups of black tea is associated with a reduction in stroke risk of more than a fifth.

Over the past few years the Swedish researchers, from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, have also found that drinking two or more coffees a day is associated with up to a 17 per cent reduction in stroke risk, and eating a moderate amount of chocolate a week (slightly more than one bar) could be linked with men having a 17% reduction in their stroke risk.

The research team, which carried out a population study involving nearly 75,000 men and women, believes the effect may be connected to compounds called flavonoids in tea, coffee and chocolate. Flavonoids, which are found in higher concentrations in fruit and vegetables, are thought to have antioxidant, anti-clotting and anti-inflammatory properties.

Dr Susanna Larsson, lead author of the Swedish studies, says: “We’ve found that consumption of flavonoid-rich foods, including chocolate, tea, fruits (especially apples or pears) and vegetables is associated with a reduced risk of stroke.

“Furthermore, we’ve observed an association between fish consumption and reduced stroke risk, and an association with increased stroke risk for the consumption of red and processed meat.”

But Dr Clare Walton, research communications officer at the Stroke Association, says the Swedish study is “fairly weak”, although she thinks there is a link between tea and reduced stroke risk as there has been previous “stronger” research.

“The link between these foods and drinks is antioxidants, and of course you can get the highest intake of antioxidants from fruit and vegetables. They have a much greater link to reducing stroke risk than things like chocolate and tea,” she points out.

Stroke consultant Dr Ajay Bhalla, stresses that the studies only show an association, not cause and effect.

“You can only speculate on the cause – they don’t tell us that we should be drinking at least four cups of tea a day or gorging on chocolate – that’s the wrong message.”

Anyone of any age can have a stroke, even children. While most occur in the elderly, every year more than 20,000 Britons under 65 have a stroke.

Although men have a higher risk, women are one and a half times as likely to die from the condition. Risk factors include genes, age, diet, the amount of alcohol you drink, smoking, lack of fitness, and some other medical conditions.

High blood pressure contributes to 50 per cent of strokes, and the Stroke Association recommends that people have their blood pressure checked regularly.

Eating a healthy diet, including plenty of fruit and vegetables, and reducing saturated fat and salt intake (salt is a major factor in high blood pressure), will also help reduce stroke risk.

Obesity is another major factor, and diabetes, which can be linked to being overweight, may also lead to a higher risk.

An irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation) can lead to blood clots forming in the heart and travelling to the brain. People with atrial fibrillation are five times more likely to have a stroke, but medication can treat the condition.

Dr Bhalla stresses: “Risk factors are applicable to young and old, but their influence is less strong in a younger person.”

Act fast to save lives

Around one in five people who have a stroke die within 60 days. A third make a significant recovery within a month, but most stroke survivors will have long-term problems and it may take a year or longer for them to make the best possible recovery. Speed of treatment is essential, if a patient gets to hospital within three hours of the sudden onset of symptoms, they’re much more likely to make a good recovery.

The Stroke Association urges people familiarise themselves with the FAST Test for common stroke symptoms. If a person fails any one of the tests, get emergency help immediately.

Facial weakness: Can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?

Arm weakness: Can the person raise both arms?

Speech problems: Can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?

Time to call 999.