Recognizing stroke symptoms and calling 911 immediately can save precious brain cells—nearly 2 million of which die every minute during a stroke—yet many Americans still hesitate before seeking emergency help.
- At a Glance
Stroke awareness has significantly improved, with recognition of symptoms increasing by 14.7 percentage points between 2009 and 2014
- The F.A.S.T. acronym (Face, Arm, Speech, Time to call 911) is more effective than BE-FAST for helping people remember key stroke warning signs
- Women face higher stroke risks than men, with 1 in 5 women aged 55-75 experiencing a stroke
- Up to 80% of strokes may be preventable through lifestyle changes like exercise, healthy eating, and not smoking
- Emergency responders provide critical care during transport that can minimize long-term effects of stroke and save brain cells
Why Every Minute Matters During a Stroke
- Stroke ranks as the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and remains a major cause of disability. The urgency behind immediate treatment stems from a startling statistic: approximately 1.9 million brain cells die every minute a stroke goes untreated. This rapid cell death explains why medical professionals emphasize the critical importance of recognizing symptoms and acting quickly. About 800,000 Americans suffer strokes annually, but thanks to improved treatments, many of these incidents don’t have to result in permanent disability or death.
Understanding the different types of strokes is essential for proper response. The three main categories include ischemic strokes (caused by blood clots blocking vessels), hemorrhagic strokes (resulting from bleeding in the brain), and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs or “mini-strokes”). Even silent strokes, which occur without noticeable symptoms, can increase the risk of dementia and should be addressed by medical professionals.
Recognition of Stroke Symptoms Has Improved
- A study analyzing the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data reveals encouraging progress in stroke awareness among American adults. From 2009 to 2014, recommended stroke knowledge increased by 14.7 percentage points, exceeding the Healthy People 2020 goals. By 2014, awareness of specific symptoms ranged from 76.1% for sudden severe headache to 93.7% for numbness of the face, arm, leg, or side. This improvement represents significant progress in public health education.
Research shows that the F.A.S.T. acronym (Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, Time to call 911) is particularly effective at helping people remember key warning signs. When compared to the BE-FAST acronym (which adds Balance and Eyes to the list), F.A.S.T. proved more memorable for the general public. Both acronyms successfully motivated people to call 911 when stroke symptoms appeared, with the impact lasting for at least 30 days after exposure to the information.
Knowing FAST can save a life. If you notice any of these signs of a stroke, immediately dial 911. Take this complimentary health education lesson to understand how to lower your chances of having a stroke. https://t.co/2WplPhWm6d pic.twitter.com/7qT0ixJgZW
— American Heart Association (@American_Heart) June 20, 2024
Why Calling 911 Is Better Than Driving to the Hospital
- Many people make the dangerous mistake of driving themselves or asking a family member to drive them to the hospital during a suspected stroke. This decision can be life-threatening. Stroke symptoms like dizziness, confusion, and vision problems make driving extremely dangerous. Emergency medical technicians provide crucial care during transport that can significantly improve outcomes and reduce the risk of complications during the journey.
When EMS responds to a stroke call, they notify the hospital in advance, allowing the stroke team to prepare before the patient arrives. This head start can save precious minutes when every moment counts. Financial concerns shouldn’t prevent anyone from calling emergency services. The Affordable Care Act requires most health plans to cover emergency services, and federal laws ensure that patients receive emergency treatment regardless of their insurance status.
Recognizing the Often-Overlooked Symptoms
- While the classic signs of stroke include facial drooping, arm weakness, and speech difficulties, some symptoms are frequently overlooked. These include generalized weakness, fatigue, lethargy, and—particularly in women—disorientation, nausea, and vomiting. Women have a significantly higher risk of stroke, with 1 in 5 women aged 55-75 experiencing one. Being aware of these less obvious symptoms could make the difference between timely treatment and devastating consequences.
The good news is that up to 80% of strokes may be preventable through lifestyle changes. Regular exercise, healthy eating, maintaining appropriate weight, not smoking, and managing conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes can significantly reduce stroke risk. Combined with improved awareness and quick action when symptoms appear, these preventive measures offer hope for reducing the burden of stroke in America.
