According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of a stroke can include loss of balance, weakness, confusion, and slurred speech. The American Stroke Association (ASA) highlights the acronym “BEFAST” as a method for identifying warning signs.

The key points of the BEFAST acronym: B (loss of balance), E (change in vision), F (drooping face), A (weakness in one arm), S (difficulty speaking) and T (time to call 911).

Immediate actions

Medical experts, such as Fox News contributor Dr. Marc Siegel, emphasize the importance of acting quickly in the event of a possible stroke.

It is advisable not to administer aspirin and to prioritize seeking emergency medical attention, since every minute counts.

“In medicine, we use the expression ‘time is brain,’” Siegel said. “This means that the faster the patient is brought to the emergency room, the faster they can receive emergency treatment, if necessary, to reopen the blocked brain artery, if one exists,” he explained.

Prevention and potential risks

The ASA indicates that 80% of strokes are preventable, highlighting the importance of managing risk factors such as hypertension and diabetes.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveal that one in four survivors will face a second stroke in the next five years, underscoring the need for an effective prevention and treatment plan.

Risk factors

The most common risk factors that can lead to a stroke are divided into two groups: those you can change (modifiable) and those you cannot change (non-modifiable).

Modifiable risk factors (that you can control) are:

Non-modifiable risk factors (that you cannot change):

High blood pressure is considered the most important and preventable risk factor. Controlling modifiable factors through healthy eating, exercise, not smoking, and managing diabetes can significantly reduce the risk of stroke.

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