Ex-NFL player from Wiltshire highlights stroke risks in under-55s
Rob Hart shares his story ahead of World Stroke Day
A former NFL player from Edington, Wiltshire, is raising awareness about the risks of strokes in individuals under 55.
Rob Hart, who is now 51, played for teams like the Miami Dolphins during his career. He suffered a stroke earlier this year, unaware of the potential risk at his age.
The NHS reports that new stroke cases in adults under 55 have doubled over the past decade.
Rob recounts the experience: "I was just at home, at breakfast, and I felt incredibly dizzy and lost sensation in my hand and my eyesight just started to disappear. I've had migraines before where, you know, I've lost vision a little bit or it's blurred, but then all of a sudden I couldn't speak either."
Thanks to his wife's quick actions in contacting emergency services, Hart received prompt medical attention.
Although he recovered fairly well, he permanently lost 15% of his eyesight.
Ahead of World Stroke Day on 29 October, Rob is aiming to make people under 55 aware of stroke risks. Not long before he suffered his stroke, he had also recently completed a 100km charity run, proving that no matter your fitness levels, you can still be affected.
Now Rob has signed up to be part of the National Young Stroke Study which aims to better understand how traditional stroke factors, commonly found in older people, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol can contribute to the occurrence of strokes in younger people.
He emphasises the importance of recognising bodily signs like dizziness and impaired vision and urges prompt action to seek medical help.
"It's really important that you look at your body's signs, if something is happening, don't disregard it. That's what I did. But fortunately, my wife didn't.
"And as soon as you look at those symptoms that you're having, like dizziness, like impaired vision, like numbness in your hand, it's really important that you get hold of the right people as soon as you possibly can."
People can find more information about stroke symptoms and treatments on the NHS website.