Know the signs of a stroke: BE FAST acronym could save a life
This article was written for our sponsor, WakeMed Health & Hospitals.
An acronym adopted by many hospitals — including WakeMed — to detect the signs of a stroke could mean the difference between life and death.
Two million brain cells are lost within the first minute after a stroke starts.
Time equals brain. The faster a person who is having a stroke receives treatment, the better the chances of a complete recovery and life without disability. Therefore, it’s important to recognize the signs of stroke, and respond appropriately by calling 9-1-1.
To help paramedics get to a potential stroke sufferer sooner, hospitals are now encouraging people to remember the acronym BE FAST.
B – Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination
E – Eyes: Sudden vision change/trouble seeing
F – Face: One side of the face droops when the person smiles
A – Arm: One arm drifts down when the person raises arms
S – Speech: Person’s speech in slurred, slow or strange
T – Time: If you or someone around you is experiencing one, some or all of these symptoms, “BE FAST” and call 911 immediately for emergency medical assistance.
Some people ignore their symptoms, particularly in this time of COVID-19, when some fear the hospital setting. Keep in mind that a primary stroke center like WakeMed is the best place to be when you are having a stroke. Hospitals are equipped to manage patients with contagious illnesses separately and from stroke patients.
Do not drive yourself or the person to the hospital.
Previously, the F.A.S.T. acronym was used to detect signs of a stroke; while still effective, it neglects issues with balance and vision – particularly when these issues occur suddenly – which are also common stroke symptoms.
When someone is suffering a stroke, time is of the essence, and it’s imperative for paramedics to arrive as quickly as possible to begin immediate treatment. In addition, these emergency medical responders know where the closest Joint Commission-certified Primary Stroke Center is.
In Wake County, both WakeMed Cary Hospital and WakeMed Raleigh Campus are Joint Commission-certified Primary Stroke Centers. This means teams of physicians, nurses and other caregivers stand at the ready, 24 hours per day, seven days per week, to treat a person who is having a stroke as quickly and effectively as possible.
How Can We Prevent Stroke?
The National Stroke Association reports that five healthy lifestyle habits can prevent up to 80 percent of strokes:
- Eating a healthy diet
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Regular exercise
- Avoiding tobacco
- Consuming alcohol in moderation or not at all
Know your Numbers
- Blood pressure – Know your blood pressure. If it’s high, lower it and have it checked often.
- Cholesterol – Know it, and, if it’s high, lower it.
- Diabetes – If you have diabetes, keep it under control.
- Your doctor – See your doctor regularly.
Sometimes the first thing people need to do is find a doctor who can help determine if they have stroke risk factors. Then the doctor can help people manage any chronic health problems that may contribute to an increased stroke risk.
May Is National Stroke Awareness Month
National Stroke Awareness Month is an annual opportunity to get the word out about stroke.
Each May, the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association recognizes National Stroke Awareness Month by educating people about the signs, symptoms and ways that we can prevent stroke. And each May, WakeMed joins in.
This article was written for our sponsor, WakeMed Health & Hospitals.
