The Stroke Association says more research needs be to done to confirm whether high-intensity exercise can trigger an attack, after BBC presenter Andrew Marr said his stroke earlier this year was brought on following a vigorous exercise session.

The 53-year-old presenter stated on his own programme, BBC Two's Andrew Marr Show, his stroke was sparked by an intense rowing machine workout.

He also said he had been "heavily overworking" in the year leading up to it.

Each year an estimated 150,000 people in the UK will have a stroke, most aged over the age of 65.

It is believed Marr experienced two transient ischaemic attacks, or mini strokes, that went undiagnosed at the time.

The Stroke Association has released a statement stating regular exercise is an important factor in stroke prevention and recovery.

Spokeswoman Nikki Hill said: "We have heard anecdotally that some activities like vigorous exercise can sometimes cause blood vessels to burst. We need more research on the underlying factors that might make that happen."

She continued: "We do know that high blood pressure itself is the single biggest cause of stroke, until more research is done on specific triggers we'd suggest getting your blood pressure checked and taking steps to keep it under control, exercise can help with that."