Strokes are serious medical emergencies that can happen to anyone, but did you know that Black people are at a significantly higher risk? In fact, Black Americans are almost twice as likely to have a stroke as their white counterparts, and they are more likely to experience stroke at younger ages. Because of this, it’s critical that we know how to spot the signs of a stroke and act fast.
By learning to recognize the early signs and symptoms, you can help save a life—whether it’s your own or someone else’s.
What is a Stroke?
A stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. This lack of blood flow causes brain cells to die, which can lead to lasting brain damage or even death if not treated immediately.
Why Are Black People More at Risk?
Our community faces higher stroke rates for a number of reasons, including:
- Higher prevalence of conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity, which are all stroke risk factors.
- Limited access to healthcare and under-treatment of risk factors in some cases.
- Systemic issues, including healthcare disparities and barriers to early diagnosis and treatment.
This is why it’s especially important for us to be able to spot the signs early and know what to do.
Recognizing the Signs: Think F.A.S.T.
The easiest way to remember the signs of a stroke is to think of the acronym F.A.S.T.:
- Face drooping: Is one side of the face drooping or numb? Ask the person to smile and see if their smile is uneven.
- Arm weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask them to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
- Speech difficulty: Is their speech slurred or hard to understand? Ask them to repeat a simple sentence. Can they do it clearly?
- Time to call 911: If you notice any of these signs, even if they go away, call 911 immediately. Every second counts.
Other Warning Signs
In addition to the F.A.S.T. symptoms, there are other warning signs of a stroke you should be aware of:
- Sudden confusion or trouble understanding speech.
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause.
- Sudden dizziness, trouble walking, or loss of balance.
If you or someone around you experiences any of these symptoms, seek emergency medical help right away.
Prevention is Key
Knowing the signs is critical, but preventing a stroke from happening in the first place is just as important. Here are some ways to reduce your stroke risk:
- Manage your blood pressure: High blood pressure is a leading cause of strokes. Keep it under control by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and taking any prescribed medication.
- Monitor blood sugar levels if you have diabetes: Keeping your levels in a healthy range can reduce your stroke risk.
- Quit smoking: Smoking increases your risk of stroke, so quitting is one of the best things you can do for your health.
- Stay active: Regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight and reduces risk factors like high blood pressure and diabetes.
You Might Also Like:
3 Ways to Lower Your Lp(a) Cholesterol Levels
Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), is a cholesterol that can significantly increase your risk of heart disease and stroke – learn how you can manage it.
4 Types of Cholesterol Impacting You
Learn about the good, the bad, and the sneaky cholesterols that are impacting your heart health.
