May is American Stroke Month, a time for everyone to learn how to recognize the signs of a stroke and act quickly.
SAN ANTONIO — A stroke can change a life in an instant. Not just for the person having the stroke, but their friends and loved ones too. Quick action in the minutes after symptoms begin can help protect the brain, reduce long-term disability and save a life.
May is American Stroke Month, and the American Stroke Association is highlighting the importance of recognizing the warning signs and understanding why early treatment and prevention can make a huge difference when it matters most.
“While strokes are an issue with the brain, it’s still the same heart, still the same blood vessels that are pumping blood to the brain. So taking care of your heart also helps take care of your brain,” said Dr. Zander Smith, an emergency medicine physician at Northeast Methodist within the Methodist Healthcare System.
The leading risk factors for strokes include uncontrolled blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, alcohol use, and high cholesterol.
“A large majority of strokes can be prevented by building healthy eating habits, staying active, avoiding smoking, getting regular checkups, and most important managing high blood pressure,” said Dr. Smith. “So often times high blood pressure has no symptoms but is very dangerous. is a leading cause in strokes and heart attacks. But for with hypertension, oftentimes you don’t feel it at all.”
To recognize the signs of a stroke, remember B.E. F.A.S.T.:
- Balance
- Eyes
- Face
- Arms
- Speech
- If you have any of those symptoms, it is time to call 911.
“If you just even have one of those symptoms, sometimes you can go to progress to have more,” said Dr. Smith. “I would much rather you come into the hospital for one of these symptoms and be able to rule out a stroke, then have you wait and come in later and be much more sick.”
You can check out the B.E. F.A.S.T. experience at the website here. They’ve also got support services for survivors and care partners, including virtual stroke meetups.