Often, strokes are associated with older populations, but many people do not realize that they can occur at any age. In fact, one in five people who suffer a stroke is under 55 years old.First, what is a stroke? A stroke occurs when the blood vessels in the brain are blocked or burst. Also called a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), it can cause long-term disability, impair a person’s ability to speak, see, or move, and can even result in death.
Acting quickly at the first sign of a stroke can aid recovery and have a lasting impact on a person’s life. Unfortunately, nearly 30% of adults under 45 are unaware of the five most common symptoms of a stroke, according to a survey published in the journal “Stroke” by the American Heart Association.
“Young people who are not familiar with the most common signs of a stroke risk inaction at a time when every second counts,” says Sheryl Martin-Schild, MD, PhD, medical director of stroke at Touro Infirmary. “Both survival and recovery are possible with the right care at the right time.”
It is important for everyone to learn and be able to recognize the sudden onset of stroke signs and symptoms in themselves and others and to call 911 immediately. There is an acronym in English that summarizes these early symptoms: BE FAST, which stands for “Balance, Eyes, Face, Arm, Speech, Time” and refers to the following signs:
• Balance: sudden loss of balance
• Eyes: loss of vision in one or both eyes
• Face: the face looks uneven or drooping
• Arm: arm or leg is weak or hanging
• Speech: slurred speech, difficulty speaking, or confused speech
• Time: time to call 911 immediately
No matter a person’s age, understanding the risk factors for stroke is also vital, as some factors can be managed with lifestyle changes. These risk factors include high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, poor circulation, lack of physical activity, and obesity.
It is important for everyone to talk to their doctor about safely managing these factors through diet, exercise, and quitting smoking, especially for those at higher risk due to age (the risk increases as you get older), race (African Americans, Hispanics, and residents of the Asian/Pacific Islands are at higher risk of stroke than people of other races), sex (more women suffer strokes than men), and family history (the risk is higher if a family member has had a stroke).
“According to the CDC, stroke is one of the leading causes of serious long-term disability. Therefore, it is essential to learn the signs and act immediately,” says Dr. Martin-Schild.
For more information and resources, visit strokeawareness.com, developed by Genentech Inc., a member of the Roche Group.
Source: StatePoint