A stark warning from former Labour MP Jonathan Ashworth, who suffered a stroke on New Year's Day, has highlighted the need for increased awareness about high blood pressure. The 47-year-old, who represented Leicester South from 2011 to 2024, revealed that he was unaware he had been living with dangerously elevated blood pressure, which he describes as a 'silent killer'. He expressed regret over skipping routine health checks with his GP, stressing that such check-ups could save lives.
Mr Ashworth's stroke resulted in stiffness on his left side and partial blindness. To aid his recovery, he has been undergoing rehabilitation activities at Leicester Royal Infirmary, including learning the piano to regain hand movement and reciting lines from Shakespeare's Hamlet to test his speech and memory. He acknowledged the challenging and varied nature of stroke recovery, stating that 'everyone's journey is different'. According to NHS guidelines, a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation can significantly improve outcomes for stroke survivors.
Mr Ashworth is particularly concerned about the prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension in Leicester, where an estimated 24,000 residents may unknowingly have the condition. These figures, sourced from Leicester City Council health officials, are 'shocking', and highlight the need for targeted public awareness campaigns. Hypertension, often symptomless and a common cardiovascular disease in the area, contributes to a higher-than-average under-75 mortality rate in the region, according to recent council documents.
The former Shadow Health Secretary stressed that despite his demanding political career, which involved high levels of stress, he had considered himself otherwise healthy, having never smoked and actively trained for a double marathon. He emphasised that regular health checks can identify hypertension early on, significantly reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. NHS data supports this, showing that early detection and treatment can prevent or delay cardiovascular complications.
Amy Endacott's report for Leicester City Council highlighted that high blood pressure is more prevalent among older individuals, certain ethnic minority communities, and those experiencing deprivation within the local population. Although Leicester has seen a 20% higher uptake in blood pressure checks compared to the national average, further action is needed to address health inequalities. A dedicated task group is working to enhance access to tests through local pharmacies, GP surgeries, libraries, and community outreach events.
Mr Ashworth urged everyone to get their blood pressure checked and to be aware that a fulfilling life is still possible post-stroke. He expressed gratitude for the care he received from NHS staff and reiterated the importance of raising public awareness about hypertension.