Understanding Stroke Awareness: Key Facts and Prevention Tips

As Stroke Awareness Month continues, Dr. Andre Fredieu with Utica Park Clinic is highlighting the critical signs, risk factors, and prevention strategies surrounding one of the leading causes of disability and death in the United States.

What Is a Stroke?

Dr. Fredieu explained that a stroke is an interruption of blood flow to the brain, typically falling into two major categories:

1. Ischemic strokes, caused by blood clots
2. Hemorrhagic strokes, resulting from ruptured blood vessels

He emphasized the urgency of recognizing stroke symptoms early and understanding that approximately 80% of strokes are preventable.

Know Your Risk Factors

According to Dr. Fredieu, knowing your personal health profile is key. Risk factors that significantly raise the chance of experiencing a stroke include:

1. High blood pressure (hypertension)
2. Diabetes
3. Elevated cholesterol
4. Cardiac arrhythmias

He urged patients to have regular health screenings and maintain communication with their healthcare providers to manage these conditions.

Learn the BFAST Acronym

Dr. Fredieu recommends using the acronym BFAST to recognize stroke symptoms quickly:

1. B – Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination
2. E – Eyes: Sudden vision changes or loss
3. F – Face: Facial drooping or uneven smile
4. A – Arms: Arm weakness or inability to raise one arm
5. S – Speech: Slurred speech or difficulty speaking
6. T – Time: Time to call 911 immediately

He stressed that acting quickly when stroke symptoms appear can be the difference between recovery and long-term disability.

Dr. Fredieu encourages the public to stay informed during Stroke Awareness Month and to take proactive steps toward stroke prevention.