Grampians Health urges community to be aware of stroke symptoms

As we celebrate National Stroke Awareness Week, Grampians Health is encouraging the community to recognise the symptoms of stroke and be aware of ways to help those facing this condition.

Stroke is a leading cause of disability and death worldwide, and through increased awareness and prompt action, we can make a significant impact on reducing its devastating effects.

To recognise the symptoms of stroke, it is important to be aware of the acronym F.A.S.T and how it helps to recognise signs of stroke:

Face: Check if the person’s face droops on one side. Ask them to smile, and if their smile is uneven or lopsided, it may be a sign of a stroke.

Arm: Check if the person can raise both arms. If one arm drifts downward or feels weak, it could be a stroke symptom.

Speech: Listen for slurred or garbled speech when the person tries to speak or repeat a simple sentence.

Time: If you observe any of these symptoms, call emergency services immediately by dialling 000. Every minute counts when dealing with stroke, and early intervention can make a life-saving difference.

According to Stroke Foundation, regional Australians are 17% more likely to have a stroke than those living in metropolitan areas, making it important for one to be aware of the risk factors.

“Being aware of your personal risk factors for stroke is essential in taking preventive measures. Factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle can increase your risk,” said Markus Dimitri, medical registrar, Grampians Health.

“Schedule regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to assess and manage these risk factors effectively.”

There is a growing awareness of stroke and its signs among Victorians, with Stroke Foundation estimating the number of people who don’t know a single sign of stroke has reduced to 31% in 2022, down from 35% in 2021 in regional Victoria.

“The fact that an increasing number of Victorians are aware of F.A.S.T signs of stroke is encouraging. However, data show that 1 in 4 people will experience stroke in their lifetime irrespective of gender, age or ethnicity and it is important we spread awareness about stroke more widely and the importance of acting FAST in case of an emergency. Together, we can make a significant impact on reducing the burden of stroke in our community,” said Mr Markus.