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In a harrowing tale of resilience and survival, Natasha Carayol, a 40-year-old from North London, shares her unexpected and life-altering encounters with high blood pressure that nearly cost her everything. Once believing she could simply live with her condition, Natasha’s reality shifted dramatically after suffering two strokes in just three years. Now, she is determined to raise awareness about the dangers of high blood pressure and the silent threat it poses, particularly to younger individuals.
A Sudden Awakening
Natasha Carayol had always perceived high blood pressure as a manageable part of her life. “I thought I could just live with it,” she admitted, never expecting it to lead to a near-fatal stroke. However, in May 2022, after experiencing severe headaches and exhaustion, everything changed. During a routine morning meeting, Natasha felt a sudden and overwhelming sensation akin to a “nuclear bomb going off” in her head, leading her to collapse right where she stood.
In that moment, she desperately tried to signal for help, grabbing her desk as she fell, but her body betrayed her. “I wanted to scream, but nothing came out. I was trapped in my body,” she reflected. Colleagues rushed to her side, and she was swiftly taken to Ealing Hospital, where doctors would uncover the grim reality behind her symptoms.
A Fight for Survival
Initial tests revealed alarmingly high blood pressure, but it was only after further examination that doctors discovered a brain bleed caused by an aneurysm, directly attributed to her high blood pressure. “If I had gone home that night, I wouldn’t have woken up the next day,” Natasha remarked, acknowledging the gravity of her condition.
Undergoing emergency surgery to stop the bleeding and prevent further complications, Natasha faced a long and arduous recovery. The aftermath left her with a swollen face and a struggle to regain her speech and mobility. “I had to learn how to walk again, and my speech was slow because I had to think about every word,” she explained.
Living with her grandmother during her recuperation, Natasha found solace in music, rediscovering her identity as a DJ. Performing for her neighbours in her garden reignited her passion and helped her regain confidence, leading her to perform internationally in places like Greece and Morocco.
The Fear of Recurrence
In October 2024, Natasha received news that would complicate her life yet again—she was pregnant. The prospect of another stroke weighed heavily on her mind, as pregnancy can heighten stroke risk. Thankfully, with medical guidance, she managed to keep her blood pressure under control throughout her pregnancy. However, after giving birth in June 2025, her fear became a reality when she suffered a second stroke just five weeks later.
Describing the moment she collapsed, Natasha recalled feeling the need to pass her baby to her partner before being struck by a sudden headache. “I looked at her and knew I had to get better. I needed to come home. I needed to be her mum,” she said, highlighting the urgency to recover for her newborn daughter.
The second recovery was even tougher, as she struggled with mobility on her left side and faced challenges in speech once more. Natasha has since made progress with the help of therapists, but the psychological impact of her strokes lingers. “I’m constantly worried it’s going to happen again. Any headache sends my heart racing,” she confessed.
Raising Awareness and Inspiring Change
Now, as Natasha collaborates with the Stroke Association to highlight Stroke Prevention Day on January 29, she hopes her story will encourage others to take their health seriously. “If my experience prompts even one person to check their blood pressure, it’s worth it,” she stated emphatically.
Her message is clear: high blood pressure is often silent, yet its ramifications can be devastating. “Stroke isn’t something that only affects older people. I was in my thirties, balancing work and motherhood, and it struck without warning. Blood pressure doesn’t care about your success or strength,” she warned.
The Stroke Association plays a crucial role in supporting survivors like Natasha, providing essential resources and advocating for better care. Their efforts ensure that thousands receive the help they need while funding vital research to combat stroke-related issues.
Why it Matters
Natasha Carayol’s journey underscores the urgent need for increased awareness of high blood pressure and its life-threatening potential. As strokes can occur at any age, her story serves as a poignant reminder that vigilance and education are key in preventing such tragedies. By sharing her experience, Natasha not only empowers herself but also inspires others to take charge of their health, potentially saving lives in the process.
