TENDRING women are almost twice as likely to die from a stroke as women in Colchester.

Mortality figures released by the Stroke Association show 47 women in Tendring died after a stroke between 2005 and 2007 – equivalent to 13 deaths per 100,000 women.

In Colchester, 22 women died after strokes – slightly less than eight per 100,000.

However, the figures for men under 75 in Tendring suggest they are are less likely to be killed by a stroke than their counterparts in Colchester.

In Colchester, the rate was 16 men per 100,000 while in Tendring, it was 14.5 per 100,000.

Linda Fox, of the Essex Cardiac and Stroke Network, said the figures showed more research was needed into the causes of strokes.

She said: “We really don’t know why there seems to be a difference between the number of men and women dying from strokes.

“The problem with these kind of statistics is they often throw up more questions. In Essex, we are already working to improve access to NHS health checks, primarily for people living in deprived areas.

“These are aimed at people aged 45 and over and it helps people to improve their health by reducing blood pressure, reducing alcohol, stopping smoking and taking more exercise.”

She said those at risk needed to be aware of stroke symptoms and seek help if they experienced them.

She said: “About 20 per cent of people who have a mini-stroke will suffer a full stroke within three months if they don’t receive treatment.

“People should seek medical help if they have any symptoms of a stroke, even if they don’t last.

“Strokes are preventable and if people seek medical treatment, we can help them.”

Colchester’s stroke death rates place the town seventh highest for men and 36th highest for women in the region.Tendring ranks 17th for men and tenth for women. In the Maldon district, the rate was 14 per 100,000 for men and 14.6 for women, while in Braintree, it rate was 13.7 per 100,000 for men and 10.3 for women.