DETROIT – Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States experiences a stroke.
The ability to recognize stroke symptoms quickly could mean the difference between life and death for the nearly 800,000 Americans who suffer strokes annually.
During Stroke Awareness Month, medical experts emphasize the importance of memorizing the expanded “BE FAST” protocol, which helps identify stroke symptoms and prompts immediate action.
Key warning signs of stroke
Jeff Welsh, president and owner of Right at Home, explains how the traditional “FAST” acronym has evolved to “BE FAST” to include additional critical symptoms. The expanded acronym stands for:
- Balance - Sudden loss of balance or coordination
- Eyes - Blurred vision, double vision, or loss of vision in one eye
- Face - Drooping on one side, difficulty smiling, or uneven smile
- Arms - Weakness or numbness in one arm
- Speech - Slurred speech or difficulty speaking
- Time - Call 911 immediately if any symptoms appear
Understanding different types of stroke
According to Welsh, there are two primary types of stroke:
- Ischemic Stroke: Caused by blood clots that occur in or travel to the brain
- Hemorrhagic Stroke: Results from burst blood vessels that cause bleeding in brain tissue
A third condition, known as a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) or “mini stroke,” produces temporary effects but should be taken just as seriously as it may signal an impending full stroke.
Risk factors and prevention
While family history plays a role in stroke risk, lifestyle factors significantly impact stroke likelihood. CDC data shows that high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, and diabetes are leading causes of stroke, with one in three U.S. adults having at least one of these risk factors.
Welsh emphasizes that preventable factors include:• Limiting alcohol consumption• Avoiding vaping and smoking• Managing blood pressure• Controlling cholesterol levels
Age not a barrier
“All ages can be affected by stroke,” Welsh warns. “With 800,000 strokes occurring yearly, it’s not really a predictable thing.” Recent CDC data reveals that 38% of people hospitalized for stroke were under 65 years old, dispelling the myth that strokes only affect older adults.
Immediate response critical
The “Time” component of BE FAST cannot be overstressed. According to the CDC, patients who receive emergency treatment within three hours of their first symptoms typically experience less disability three months
