"BEFAST" to recognize signs of a stroke.
One way to keep the risk factors for stroke top of mind is to remember the acronym "BEFAST." Take immediate action if you detect these warning signs:
- B: Balance — Do you have a sudden loss of coordination or balance?
- E: Eyesight — Has your vision changed or become impaired?
- F: Face — Does one side of your face droop when you smile?
- A: Arms — When you raise both arms, does one arm drift downward?
- S: Speech — Is your speech slurred when repeating a simple phrase?
- T: Time — Call 911 immediately if you or a loved one has one or more of these symptoms.
If you or a loved one is having a stroke, call 911 immediately.
Stroke education can save your life.
While you can’t control all the factors that cause stroke, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of stroke or limit the damage it can cause:
- Know your stroke risk factors.
- Ask your primary care provider what you can do to reduce your risk.
- Recognize the symptoms of stroke and mini stroke (transient ischemic attack, or TIA).
- Know what to do if you suspect you are having, or have had, a stroke or mini stroke.
- Seek treatment for a diagnosis immediately.
- Never ignore stroke symptoms.
Stroke risk factors you can control
According to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA), these five factors account for around 80% of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke risk:
- High blood pressure
- Poor diet
- Physical inactivity
- Smoking and tobacco use
- Obesity, especially in the abdominal area
These factors can also contribute to your risk of stroke:
- Alcohol use
- Clogged or blocked arteries
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Circulation issues
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
Stroke risk factors you cannot control
Strokes are hereditary in some families, and your age, gender, and race can put you at higher risk. Although you can't control these risks, you should be aware and ready to act in an emergency.
These factors can increase your risk for stroke:
- Age (risk is higher if you're 55 or older)
- Family history of stroke
- Gender (males are at higher risk)
- Previous stroke history
- Race (blacks, Hispanics, and Asian/Pacific Islanders are at higher risk)
- Fibromuscular dysplasia or abnormal cell changes
- Patent foramen ovale (a hole in your heart)
Stroke symptoms and signs
When it comes to a stroke, every second without treatment decreases your chance of a full recovery. Knowing how to identify the signs that you or a loved one is having a stroke, or has had a mini stroke, can make a huge difference in not only limiting damage, but in saving life.
Common symptoms of a stroke include:
- Vision changes, such as blurred or lost sight in one or both eyes
- Numbness or weakness in your face, arm, or leg, typically on one side of your body
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Speech or cognitive difficulties
- Issues with coordination, walking, or mobility
Sudden nausea, vomiting, seizures, fainting, or confusion occur less frequently, but are symptoms you shouldn't ignore.
Get treatment immediately.
A stroke is a medical emergency. The moment you think you or a loved one is having a stroke, call 911 immediately. This is the best way to ensure proper medical care is received as fast as possible. The emergency medical service (EMS) will provide on-site medical care and help the hospital prepare for your arrival.
While EMS typically routes you to the nearest hospital, you can request a hospital of your choosing; whether or not they can accommodate your request depends on how far away your preferred hospital is.
Never ignore stroke symptoms.
If you experience stroke symptoms that decrease or go away, don't ignore them. These could indicate that you had a transient ischemic attack (TIA), which is also known as a “warning stroke” or “mini stroke.” Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider as soon as possible.