According to the “Statistics on Causes of Death, Malaysia 2024”, cerebrovascular disease is the third most common cause of death in the country. A stroke is a life-threatening cerebrovascular disease that occurs when the blood supply to the brain is suddenly cut off. It can happen because of a clot (ischaemic stroke) or a ruptured blood vessel (haemorrhagic stroke). Ischaemic stroke is more common than haemorrhagic stroke.
Without oxygen, brain cells begin to die within minutes. Hence, every second counts. That is why doctors say “Time is brain.” The faster someone gets medical help, the better their chances of survival and recovery.
Know the Signs: Remember B.E. F.A.S.T.
B.E. F.A.S.T. is an easy-to-remember way to recognise the symptoms of stroke. Each letter stands for a warning sign:
- B – Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination. The person may have trouble walking or feel dizzy.
- E – Eyes: Sudden vision changes in one or both eyes. This could be blurriness, double vision, or loss of vision.
And the core symptoms continue with:
- F – Face drooping: The face may suddenly appear asymmetrical. Ask the person to smile—does the smile look uneven?
- A – Arm weakness: One arm may feel weak or numb. Ask the person to raise both arms—does one drift downward?
- S – Speech difficulty: Speech may be slurred or hard to understand. Can they repeat a simple sentence?
- T – Time to call emergency services: If you see any of these signs, call emergency services right away.
Why Every Second Matters
When someone is having a stroke, time lost is brain lost. Quick action can mean the difference between full recovery and serious disability—or even death. Do not wait to see if symptoms go away. Always call emergency services if a stroke is suspected.
Preventing Stroke
There are steps you can take to reduce your risk, some of these include:
- Monitor and control high blood pressure
- Manage diabetes and cholesterol levels
- Quit smoking
- Eat a healthy diet
- Regular exercise
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Limit alcohol consumption
Final Thoughts
A stroke can happen without warning. However, by learning B.E. F.A.S.T., you can now recognize the signs and take immediate action. You might just save a life.
Note: More articles on health-related topics can be found here.
Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your doctor for personalised guidance and address any concerns you may have.
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