Have you ever heard someone say, “He had a stroke, but luckily it wasn’t serious”?
It is a phrase we hear quite often.
Perhaps because the person recovered quickly, or because the symptoms disappeared after a short time, people sometimes assume that a stroke is something that can simply be waited out.
Unfortunately, that is not how strokes work.
A stroke is one of those medical emergencies where recognising the warning signs early can make a life-changing difference.
The difficult thing about many serious health problems is that they often develop quietly. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and narrowing of the blood vessels can progress over many years without causing any obvious warning signs.
Then suddenly, something changes.
A blood vessel supplying the brain becomes blocked.
Or a blood vessel bursts.
And within a short period of time, the brain begins to suffer.
That is why, when it comes to stroke, every minute really matters.
Our brain is one of the most remarkable parts of the human body. It allows us to think, communicate, remember our experiences, move our body and enjoy the world around us.
But like every other organ, the brain needs a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients through the blood.
When that supply is interrupted, brain cells begin to become damaged.
A stroke occurs when this happens.
There are two main types of stroke.
The most common type happens when a blood clot blocks an artery supplying blood to the brain. This is known as an ischaemic stroke.
The other type happens when a blood vessel in the brain breaks and causes bleeding. This is called a haemorrhagic stroke.
Although the causes are different, both require urgent medical attention.
One of the biggest challenges with stroke is that the symptoms are not always obvious.
Unlike a broken bone or a severe infection, there may not be pain to tell someone that something serious is happening.
Instead, the warning signs often involve changes in movement, speech or awareness.
A person may suddenly develop weakness or numbness on one side of their body.
Their face may droop on one side when they smile.
Their speech may become unclear, or they may struggle to find the right words.
They may become confused.
They may suddenly lose their balance.
They may experience dizziness or problems with their vision.
These symptoms usually happen suddenly.
One minute someone may appear completely normal.
The next minute they may be unable to lift an arm properly or speak clearly.
This is why everyone should know the simple word FAST.
F – Face
Ask the person to smile.
Has one side of their face drooped?
A – Arms
Ask them to raise both arms.
Is one arm weak or unable to stay raised?
S – Speech
Ask them to repeat a simple sentence.
Is their speech slurred, strange or difficult to understand?
T – Time
If you notice any of these signs, time is critical.
Call for emergency medical help immediately.
Do not wait to see if it improves.
Do not assume they are tired.
Do not think they will be better after a good night’s sleep.
A common mistake people make is hoping the symptoms will disappear.
Sometimes they do.
But that does not mean the danger has passed.
Some people experience what is known as a transient ischaemic attack, often called a mini-stroke. The symptoms may last only minutes before disappearing completely.
Because the person feels normal again, they may decide not to seek help.
That can be a dangerous decision.
A mini-stroke can be a warning sign that a more serious stroke may happen in the future.
It is the body’s way of telling you that something is wrong.
The good news is that medicine has improved enormously.
Some strokes can now be treated with medicines that help dissolve blood clots, while some patients may benefit from procedures that remove the blockage.
However, these treatments are time-sensitive.
The sooner someone receives medical attention, the greater the chance of reducing long-term damage.
Of course, the best treatment for stroke is prevention.
And the encouraging news is that many of the steps that protect your heart also protect your brain.
Keeping your blood pressure under control is one of the most important things you can do.
High blood pressure puts extra strain on blood vessels and is one of the biggest risk factors for stroke.
Managing cholesterol, controlling diabetes, staying physically active, maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding smoking all play important roles.
Food also matters.
Living in Malaysia, we are lucky to have such a wonderful variety of food. Eating is not just about nutrition; it is part of our culture, our family gatherings and our celebrations.
But balance is important.
Too much salt, too many processed foods and too many sugary drinks over many years can quietly increase our health risks.
The goal is not to stop enjoying food.
The goal is to make healthier choices more often.
One thing many people forget is that stroke is not only a condition affecting the elderly.
While age does increase the risk, younger people can also experience strokes, especially if they have uncontrolled risk factors.
Health problems do not always wait until retirement.
This is why regular health checks, knowing your numbers and paying attention to your lifestyle are so important.
Your brain gives you the ability to enjoy conversations with family, remember special moments, make decisions and experience life.
Protecting it is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself and the people who care about you.
Learn the warning signs.
Remember FAST.
Share it with your family.
Because one day, knowing those simple letters could help save someone’s life.
Until next time, stay healthy and take good care of yourself.
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