BE FAST for Stroke Prevention

Strokes are a leading cause of disability and death worldwide, affecting 1 in 4 people at some point in their lifetime. However, the good news is that up to 80% of strokes can be prevented through informed lifestyle changes and medical interventions.

In our latest infographic, “BE FAST: Your Guide to Stroke Prevention,” we share the data and essential steps you can take to reduce your stroke risk.

The Silent Threat of Strokes

Strokes often come without warning, with 10% of Americans experiencing “silent strokes” that go unnoticed without a brain scan. The majority of strokes (87%) are ischemic, caused by blood clots blocking blood flow to the brain. Recognizing the risk factors and early signs of stroke can be life-saving.

Myth vs. Fact on Stroke Prevention

Myth: Strokes cannot be prevented.
Fact: Lifestyle changes and medical interventions can prevent up to 80% of strokes.

Know Your Risk of Stroke

Risk factors for stroke include vascular disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and obesity. High blood pressure alone can increase your stroke risk by 2 to 4 times. Managing these risks through healthy lifestyle choices and regular medical check-ups is essential.

BE FAST to Spot a Stroke 

The BE FAST acronym helps you remember the urgent signs of a stroke:

  • Balance: Sudden loss of balance
  • Eyes: Trouble with vision in one or both eyes
  • Face Drooping: One side of the face droops or is numb
  • Arm Weakness: One arm is weak or numb
  • Speech Difficulty: Speech is slurred, or the person is unable to speak
  • Time to call 911: If you observe any of these signs, even if they disappear, call 911 immediately.

Prevention Through Lifestyle

A healthy diet and regular exercise are pillars of stroke prevention. A diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can reduce your stroke risk by up to 27%. Similarly, regular exercise can lower the risk by 25%. Managing conditions like atrial fibrillation, AKA an irregular, fast heartbeat, also reduces your stroke risk by up to 60%.

Screening: Your First Line of Defense

Screening for stroke risk factors, especially vascular health, is vital. Technologies like duplex ultrasonography can detect blood clots and carotid artery diseases that significantly increase stroke risk. Regular blood pressure monitoring and brain scans for those at risk can catch early signs before they lead to stroke.

Coastal Vascular & Interventional: Your Partner in Stroke Prevention

Coastal Vascular & Interventional is dedicated to providing state-of-the-art care to prevent strokes. Our team is here to help you understand your risks and work with you to reduce them. 

Don’t wait for a stroke to happen. Screening is the best start to prevention.

Start your healing journey with the best vascular care and avoid the risk of strokes. Try our online vein health screening. Visit our vascular health resources or request an appointment today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “BE FAST” stand for, and why is it important?

“BE FAST” is an acronym to help people recognize the warning signs of a stroke: Balance (loss of coordination), Eyes (sudden vision changes), Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to call 911.

Yes. Even if stroke-like symptoms disappear, they may indicate a transient ischemic attack, which often serves as a warning that a more serious stroke could follow. Always seek immediate medical attention.

Some of the most significant risk factors that can be managed include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, poor diet, inactivity, atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat), and carotid artery disease. Addressing these factors can significantly reduce your risk of stroke.

Vascular screenings, like a carotid artery ultrasound, can detect narrowing or plaque buildup in your arteries before symptoms develop. Identifying these issues helps guide treatment decisions and reduces the likelihood of serious complications.

Individuals with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, a family or personal history of stroke, atrial fibrillation, or who smoke should talk with their doctor about vascular screening. Early evaluation can identify risks before a stroke occurs.

Focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, controlling blood pressure and cholesterol, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing conditions like diabetes or atrial fibrillation under medical guidance.

Depending on the diagnosis, treatment options may include medication management, lifestyle modifications, minimally invasive procedures (such as angioplasty or stenting), or surgical intervention. Your vascular specialist will create a personalized plan based on your unique needs.