The number of people dying from a stroke in England has been halved in a decade, scientists have revealed.
Oxford University researchers found stroke deaths were slashed by around 55 per cent in the first ten years of the 21st century.
Better NHS care is likely boosting the chances of survival for patients who suffer a stroke, the experts suggested.
However, the research also discovered rates of strokes - a common cause of death - have risen by 20 per cent in people under the age of 55.
An expert behind the research told MailOnline this was likely because of rising rates of obesity and diabetes, as well as cocaine and alcohol use.
The number of people dying from a stroke has been halved in a decade, scientists have revealed, but rates of the event are increasing in under 55s
A graph shows stroke events and stroke deaths in both men and woman has declined between 2001 and 2010 in England
A stroke occurs when blood supply to part of the brain is cut off or when a blood vessel ruptures.
Lead researcher Dr Olena Seminog said: 'We could only speculate on the reasons for increased rates of stroke in young people.
'But we think it is the increase in obesity and diabetes, as well as an nontraditional risk factors, including drug abuse, such as cocaine, and alcohol.'
Researchers analysed data from 950,000 strokes that occurred in England between 2001 and 2010.
Patients were all aged 20 or older and had been admitted to hospital with a stroke or died from one during the timeframe.
Of the almost one million strokes from 800,000 people, 337,000 resulted in death, the study revealed.
The average age at onset of stroke was 72 for men and 76 for women. Ages were slightly higher for deaths in both genders.
The best way to help prevent a stroke is to eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and avoid smoking and drinking too much alcohol.
These lifestyle changes can reduce your risk of problems like:
arteries becoming clogged with fatty substances (atherosclerosis) high blood pressure high cholesterol levelsDiet
An unhealthy diet can increase your chances of having a stroke because it may lead to an increase in your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
A low-fat, high-fibre diet is usually recommended, including plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables (5 A Day) and wholegrains.
You should limit the amount of salt you eat to no more than 6g (0.2oz) a day as too much salt will increase your blood pressure: 6g of salt is about 1 teaspoonful.
Exercise
Regular exercise can maintain a healthy weight and help lower your cholesterol and keep your blood pressure healthy.
For most people, at least 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as cycling or fast walking, every week is recommended.
Stop smoking
Smoking significantly increases your risk of having a stroke. This is because it narrows your arteries and makes your blood more likely to clot.
Cut back on alcohol
Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to high blood pressure and trigger an irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation), both of which can increase your risk of having a stroke.
Because alcoholic drinks are high in calories, they also cause weight gain. Heavy drinking multiplies the risk of stroke by more than 3 times
Source: NHS
In men, death rates decreased from 140 per 100,000 in 2001 to 74 per
