The 3 Symptoms of a Stroke Everyone Needs to Know

Strokes can be scary things - but as ever, information is the antidote to fear. If you or someone you love are at risk of having a stroke, here are some all-important tips you should know.

What Does F.A.S.T. Mean for a Stroke?

In their film, which is a finalist in the Smiley Charity Film Awards, Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland say that, if you think someone might be having a stroke, you must act F.A.S.T.

This clever anagram contains the three symptoms of a stroke that everyone needs to know.

What Are the Symptoms of a Stroke?

The main symptoms of a stroke are the face drooping on one side, weakness in one arm, and slurred speech. In their short film, Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland gives you an easy way to remember them:

F - face drooped on one side

A - arm weakness

S - speech slurred

T - time is of the essence

How Common is a Stroke?

According to NHS England, 111,137 people were admitted to hospitals in England to be treated for a stroke in 2023/4.

Who is at Risk of a Stroke?

Anyone can have a stroke, but there are some factors that increase the risk. For example, those over the age of 45 are at an increased risk of stroke. Some lifestyle and medical factors can also contribute to the likelihood of a stroke, such as high cholesterol or drinking too much alcohol.

To learn more about acting F.A.S.T, you can watch Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland’s film here on the Smiley Charity Film Awards website.

Charity Check-in 

At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.

Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland. This is Scotland’s largest health charity working to help people with chest, heart and stroke conditions and Long Covid live life to the full. Support them here.

Stroke Association. The Stroke Association helps people to rebuild their lives after having a stroke. Learn more here.

Different Strokes. This is a UK stroke charity providing a unique service to younger stroke survivors and information about stroke in young people. Find out more.

This article aligns with the UN SDG Good Health and Wellbeing.