Blooms Pharmacist Chemist Owner Melanie Moses attributes this increased risk to changes in the body that often occur with age.

“The main reason for this is that as we age, our arteries naturally become narrower and harder. This makes it easier for fat to clog,” she said.

Despite these alarming statistics, more than 80 percent of strokes could be prevented with proper care and a healthy lifestyle.

As part of World Stroke Day on October 29, the prevalence and impact of stroke is highlighted, with the world being reminded in a timely manner not only to recognize the warning signs of a stroke, but also to take preventive measures.

Signs of stroke to watch for

According to the Stroke Foundation, 40 per cent of Australians don’t recognize the signs of a stroke and, as a result, fail to recognize them. obtain necessary medical care in a timely manner.

The risks of stroke-related brain damage can increase significantly the longer a stroke goes untreated. It is therefore essential to understand the warning signs to look out for.

“If people understand better, identify the early signs of a stroke and seek immediate medical attention, it could save lives or significantly change the trajectory of its impact,” Moses said.

Some of the telltale signs of a stroke may include numbness or weakness (especially in the face, arms, or legs), confusion, slurred speech or difficulty speaking, loss vision, dizziness and severe headaches.

In order to accurately and timely recognize the signs of a stroke, Moses recommends the following acronym.

“FAST or BEFAST is an acronym that people can memorize for how to assess the warning signs that you or someone you are with is having a stroke,” she explained.

Confront – checks their face, with their mouth down
Arm – can they raise both arms?
Speech – is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?
Time – time is critical. If you see any of these signs, call 000 immediately.

The main risk factors

In most cases, strokes are preventable as they are associated with lifestyle risk factors that can be managed to reduce risk. However, when it comes to risk factors such as family, history, age, gender and ethnicity, risk reduction can become more difficult.

Either way, Moses suggests speaking to your GP to assess your risk and manage it appropriately.

“A conversation and a deeper understanding of potential causes can reduce the risk of stroke,” Moses said.

Moses highlighted some of the “lifestyle and hereditary factors” to be aware of that can increase the risk of stroke.

“Some of the risk factors that will increase your risk of stroke include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes and an irregular heartbeat (contributing to a third of strokes),” a she declared.

“If you’ve already had a stroke, your risk of having another is greater. Men are also more likely than women to suffer a stroke.

“Other lifestyle factors that may increase the risk of stroke include smoking, a diet high in salt and fat, an inactive lifestyle or excessive alcohol consumption.

“We also know that as we age, the risk of having a stroke increases. About two thirds of stroke victims are over 65 years old.

Reduce the risk of stroke

Given the often devastating health consequences of a stroke, prevention is certainly better than cure in this case.

Although certain risk factors can lead to a greater risk of stroke and “even people considered to have a healthy lifestyle can suffer from a stroke,” Moses emphasizes that “there are measures preventive measures that can be considered to avoid a stroke.

“It’s important to manage your blood pressure because it can be one of the biggest risk factors for stroke. In fact, high blood pressure plays a role in about half of all strokes,” she declared.

“Other preventative measures include quitting smoking, controlling dietary factors by eating foods low in cholesterol and saturated fat, and regularly including fruits and vegetables in your diet.”

The importance of exercise can never be underestimated when it comes to taking care of your health and when it comes to stroke, Moses recommends “doing regular exercise or even a walk fast” to help reduce the risk of stroke.

Overall, Moses suggests that a better understanding of stroke and your own personal risk is crucial to reducing the risk of stroke.

“Regular checkups, including a stroke risk assessment, are recommended to better understand your risk of stroke and to discuss ways to reduce your risk that are best for you.” , she said.

This article was originally published on August 13, 2022 and was updated on October 29, 2024.

IMPORTANT LEGAL INFORMATION This article is of a general nature and for informational purposes only, as it does not take into account your personal health needs or existing medical conditions. This means that it is not personalized health advice and should not be relied upon as if it were. Before making any health-related decision, you should determine whether the information is appropriate for your situation and obtain professional medical advice.