British Asians have a higher heart disease risk

Strokes are more common among the South Asian community than the general population - but just 5% of respondents said it was a primary health concern.

And just 6% knew salt intake should be limited to a maximum of 6g a day.

The poll, of 309 people, was carried out for The Stroke Association and the Food Standards Agency.

The stroke risk is raised among the South Asian community because its members are more prone to diabetes and high blood pressure.

A high intake of salt can raise the risk of all three conditions.

However, many south Asians see salt as an important part of their diet, and it features prominently in traditional dishes.

My father died of a heart attack and my mother has diabetes - a risk factor for stroke. I won't let history repeat itself. It doesn't make me any less Asian to watch my diet and control the salt levels in my food Nihal Arthanayake Radio 1 DJ

Over three quarters of those surveyed agreed that most food tastes better with salt added to it and see it as a vital seasoning when cooking.

However, south Asians are also more likely to prepare their food using fresh ingredients rather than buy pre-packaged goods.

They could therefore have greater control over their salt intake and take steps to reduce it to the recommended level.

The survey did reveal some encouraging signs.

Over half of those surveyed (52%) thought using substitutes, such as 'low-salt' was a good idea.

One in three recognised that eating healthily and taking exercise could help prevent or lower high blood pressure.

And one in four knew that reducing salt intake could prevent or lower high blood pressure.

Laura Funnell, from The Stroke Association, said: "In the midst of intense consumer debate about salt, one message is clear: reducing the levels of salt in your diet can make a difference to your health and ultimately help to reduce your risk of stroke.

"We need to raise awareness further in the south Asian community of the high risk of stroke and how controlling blood pressure can help this."

Surinder Sharma, Director General of Equality and Human Rights at the Department of Health said: "This is about establishing a deeper awareness of high blood pressure and the link between salt intake and stroke.

"The research shows that only a small number of those questioned were concerned about stroke. We are determined to change that."

In the 1990s South Asian men in the UK had a premature death rate from stroke 55% higher than the male average, while the figure for women was 41% higher than average.

UK Asians are also about 50% more likely to develop coronary heart disease than people of European origin.

One in five has also been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, compared with 3% of the general population.