Early Stroke Signs, & What to do, UNDERSTANDING “BE FAST”

Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States experiences a stroke1. This alarming statistic underscores the urgency of understanding, preventing, and detecting strokes early.

Understanding Strokes
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of your brain is blocked or interrupted, preventing brain cells from getting the oxygen and nutrients they need to survive. There are two main types of stroke: ischemic, caused by a blockage usually due to a blood clot, and hemorrhagic, caused by a ruptured artery in the brain.

The Importance of Early Detection
Early detection of a stroke is crucial for initiating timely interventions and minimizing brain damage. The longer a stroke goes untreated, the higher the chance of permanent damage or even death. Therefore, recognizing the symptoms of a stroke can be life-saving.

B.E. F.A.S.T. – An Easy Way to Remember Stroke Symptoms
The acronym B.E. F.A.S.T. is an easy way to remember the signs of a stroke:

B: Balance – Sudden loss of balance or dizziness
E: Eyes – Vision loss, blurry or double vision
F: Face – Uneven smile or face drooping
A: Arm – Weakness in one arm
S: Speech – Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
T: Time – Time to call 911 if any of these symptoms are present
Stroke Prevention: It’s In Your Hands
While some risk factors for stroke, such as age and family history, cannot be changed, many others can be controlled. Here are some steps you can take to lower your risk of stroke6789:

Lower Blood Pressure: High blood pressure doubles or even quadruples your stroke risk if not controlled6. Maintain a blood pressure of less than 120/80 through a low-salt diet, regular exercise, and medication if needed.
Lose Weight: Obesity raises your odds of having a stroke. Losing as little as 10 pounds can have a real impact on your stroke risk.
Exercise More: Regular exercise contributes to losing weight and lowering blood pressure, but it also stands on its own as an independent stroke reducer.
Eat Healthy: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy can help lower your risk of stroke6.
Quit Smoking: Smoking accelerates clot formation and thickens your blood, increasing your risk of stroke.
In conclusion, while strokes are a serious health concern, they are largely preventable and treatable with the right care and knowledge. Remember, every 40 seconds counts. Be aware, be proactive, and B.E. F.A.S.T.