Many fail to recognize stroke or take quick action

Stroke is the number one cause of disability in Canada, but a lack of awareness and delays mean too many people are not getting the quick, appropriate medical treatment needed to limit the damage, says the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Few know what a stroke is

Half of all Canadians have friends or family member who has suffered a stroke, but only one-third can describe what a stroke is, according to a foundation report. Only one-third know that it’s important to call an ambulance because immediate action is required.

Fewer realize that ambulance technicians can start assessment and treatment immediately, and that they know which hospitals have specialized treatment units to treat stroke.

Great treatments, but you have to get there

“We’ve come up with some breakthrough revolutionary treatments and trials where we’re making a huge impact and we’re saving lives as well as we’re saving disability,” says Dr. Dar Dowlatshahi, stroke neurologist and assistant professor of medicine at the University of Ottawa.

“We are there. We can treat this disease. The key is to make sure that Canadians know what stroke is and get to the emergency department with an ambulance.”

ListenRecognize the signs

FAST is an acronym being promoted to help Canadians recognize the signs of stroke and take immediate, life-saving action. The foundation describes it as follows:

“FACE-is it drooping?

ARMS-can you raise both?

SPEECH-is it slurred or jumbled?

TIME-to call 9-1-1 right away” (to get an ambulance)

Strokes increasing

Strokes are expected to increase in Canada as the population ages and young people increasingly have risk factors such as high blood pressure, smoking, poor diet, physical inactivity and obesity.

62,000 strokes occur in Canada each year. Brain cells die at a rate of 1.9 million per minute after a stroke so it is critical that Canadians recognize the symptoms and call an ambulance to get help quickly.