High blood pressure was a sign, says stroke survivor

A stroke as a result of high blood pressure led to life-changing habits for Neill Howarth

A man who considered himself fit and healthy has spoken out about the dangers of high blood pressure after suffering a life-changing stroke.

Neill Howarth, 60, from Kettering, Northamptonshire, lived an active lifestyle and was a keen cyclist until his undiagnosed high blood pressure triggered a stroke.

Following his collapse on 7 October 2024, the former electrical engineer now has limited use of his left arm, fatigue, and mental health challenges.

"I never thought I'd fit the bill for someone who could have a stroke. I was told by my doctor that my blood pressure was high a few weeks before, but I had no symptoms," Mr Howarth said.

Mr Howarth's wife Bridget drove him to the hospital following his stroke last October 2024

A stroke happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off, killing brain cells.

The effects of a stroke depend on where it takes place in the brain, and how big the damaged area is.

According to the Stroke Association, the only charity in the UK providing life-long support for all stroke survivors, 1.4 million people in the UK are survivors of stroke.

Someone in the UK has a stroke every five minutes, with high blood pressure accounting for around half.

'Independence has gone'

On arrival to hospital, Mr Howarth was given thrombolysis, a treatment that dissolves blood clots and restores blood flow to the brain.

While it helped his recovery, he has been left with lasting sign effects.

"I have no left arm [function] and I find intricate tasks impossible," he said.

"I get very frustrated with the tiniest things I used to do but now cannot, like tying my shoe laces.

"My independence has completely gone too. I was very independent and now I am totally reliant on others to support me."

Mr Howarth now wants others to take high blood pressure seriously.

"I wish I'd known more about the importance of knowing my blood pressure," he said, adding: "It took having the stroke for me to realise just how serious high blood pressure is."