Experts have warned that many Britons may be at risk of stroke as a result of their stressful lifestyles.
According to research by the Stroke Association and Siemens, around 15 per cent of people consider themselves to be extremely stressed, rising to nearly a fifth of women.
The findings indicate that more than seven million people could be at risk of stroke, as high levels of stress contribute to elevated blood pressure - the biggest risk factor for stroke.
Furthermore, the survey revealed that over a quarter of 45 to 54-year-olds never take any exercise, which could help to reduce their risk of stroke.
James Beeby, head of corporate fundraising for the Stroke Association, said that the findings were 'incredibly worrying'.
He advised: 'It is imperative that people take regular exercise and modify their diet to reduce the risk of suffering a stroke.'
Other factors that influence an individual's risk of stroke include their genetic makeup, age, smoking status, and the amount of alcohol they consume.
One of the easiest ways to reduce stroke risk is to limit the amount of salt consumed, as high levels are known to be associated with unhealthy blood pressure readings.