Macquarie Life is sponsoring a stroke awareness and prevention campaign that begins this week.

The National Stroke Foundation wants supporters to wear “stroke solidarity strings” throughout April, and will provide free blood pressure checks on Wednesday.

Macquarie Life Head of Underwriting and Claims Sally Phillips says people should be aware of stroke risks, take steps to remain healthy and ensure they are financially protected.

“We don’t always think about our health and the physical, emotional and financial impact of a serious illness on our lives or our family until it is too late,” she said.

Stroke is Australia’s second-biggest killer and a leading cause of disability, with high blood pressure the leading and most modifiable risk factor.