FAST: Knowing the Stroke signs that could save a life

Imagine sitting with a family member when you notice their speech suddenly becoming unclear. Perhaps one side of their face looks different, or they struggle to lift one arm. It might seem like a moment of confusion, but these could be signs of a stroke. Knowing what to look for and how to respond could make a life-changing difference.

Stroke is something we cannot afford to overlook in South Africa. According to figures shared by Netcare, approximately 75,000 South Africans experience a stroke every year, with around 25,000 losing their lives. These numbers aren’t shared to create fear, but to highlight the importance of awareness, early recognition and prevention.

Many strokes are linked to risk factors that can be managed, and knowing the warning signs could make a difference when it matters most. This World Stroke Day, we’re looking at what happens during a stroke, what to watch out for and how you can take steps to protect your health.

What happens when someone has a stroke

Your brain needs a constant supply of oxygen-rich blood to function properly. Think of it as the control centre of your body, responsible for everything from walking and talking to remembering and thinking. A stroke happens when this blood supply is interrupted, either by a blood clot blocking a vessel or a blood vessel rupturing. Without oxygen, brain cells begin to become damaged, which can affect different parts of the body depending on the area of the brain involved.

Know the warning signs

Stroke symptoms usually appear suddenly. Someone might struggle to smile, drop something because of weakness in one arm or suddenly find it difficult to speak. The FAST test is an easy way to remember some of the most common warning signs:

Other symptoms can include sudden dizziness, loss of balance, vision problems or an unusually severe headache. You don’t need to see all the symptoms before seeking help. Even one could indicate a stroke.

Every minute counts

When blood flow to the brain is interrupted, brain cells begin to lose their ability to function. The longer the interruption continues, the greater the potential damage. Certain treatments can restore blood flow and limit the effects of a stroke, but they are time-sensitive. This is why getting medical attention immediately is so important. Even if symptoms disappear after a few minutes, don’t ignore them. It could be a transient ischaemic attack (TIA), sometimes called a mini-stroke, which requires urgent medical assessment.

What increases your risk of having a stroke?

High blood pressure is one of the biggest risk factors for stroke, and the concerning part is that many people have it without knowing. You could feel perfectly healthy while consistently having elevated blood pressure, which can gradually damage your blood vessels. Other risk factors include diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, physical inactivity and unhealthy eating habits. While age and family history also play a role, many of these risks can be managed through regular health checks, medical guidance and lifestyle changes.

How to reduce your risk?

Looking after your health doesn’t have to involve complicated changes. Small, consistent habits can help protect your cardiovascular health and reduce several stroke risk factors.

• Check your blood pressure: Have it measured regularly, even if you feel healthy.
• Stay active: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week.
• Eat well: Include more fruit, vegetables and whole grains in your meals.
• Know your numbers: Keep track of your cholesterol and blood glucose levels.
• Stop smoking: Protect your blood vessels by avoiding tobacco.
• Manage existing conditions: Take prescribed medication as directed and attend regular check-ups.

At Ringpharm, we’re committed to supporting healthier communities through accessible health information, guidance and care. This World Stroke Day, we encourage you to take an active interest in your health, understand your risk factors and never ignore unusual symptoms. Remember, a little more awareness today could make a big difference tomorrow. That’s That Little Bit Extra.

This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. For personalised health guidance, consult with your healthcare provider or visit your local Ringpharm pharmacy.