Stroke Prevention Day 2026

For Stroke Prevention Day on Thursday 29 January 2026, the Stroke Association is asking people to raise awareness of the biggest risk factor for stroke – high blood pressure (or hypertension) – and the simple steps everyone can take to reduce our risk.

“High blood pressure is the cause of around half of all strokes, but there’s relatively low awareness of how tackling high blood pressure can reduce the risk of a stroke. High blood pressure often (but not always) has no symptoms.”

The NHS advises that all adults should have their blood pressure checked at least every 5 years. Anyone who suspects that they have high blood pressure should check it regularly and speak to their GP for advice. There is information on the causes of high blood pressure, via the NHS Inform website (linked for your convenience).

Some GP practices will provide a blood pressure monitor to take home; they can be bought from pharmacies and other retail outlets for around £20.

For further information, please visit the Stroke Association’s Stroke Prevention Day 2026 page.

Alternatively, visit the Stroke Association’s dedicated page on the support it provides in Scotland.