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5 SIGNS TO DETECT AN EARLY STROKE


Every minute is crucial when it comes to treating a stroke. When the flow of blood to the brain is cut off, this can cause damage to the brain and stroke occurs along with other signs and symptoms. It is a health condition that requires immediate medical attention hence it is important to recognize the signs of a stroke.

Signs of Stroke

    • Drooping of half side of the face
    • Slurred speech
    • Loss of balance
    • Weakness on one side of the body
    • Sudden confusion

A simple way to remember the signs of stroke is using the memonic F.A.S.T. Learn more about F.A.S.T on Singapore National Stroke Association website here.

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Once you spot any signs of a stroke, call the ambulance immediately. Many patients saw early tell-tale signs of a stroke, such as slurred speech and the drooping on one side of the face but do not see it as an emergency to call the ambulance. The elapsed time can greatly affect the patient’s chances of recovery as some medications can help the patients only if it’s being administered within 6 hours of the symptoms. Hence, it’s important to act fast and call the ambulance to seek medical attention immediately. 

What are the risk factors for stroke? 

Age plays a role in increasing the risk of stroke. Naturally, as we age, our arteries start to narrow, restricting blood supply to the brain. If anyone in your family has a history of stroke, this puts you on greater risk of stroke as well. Be sure to go for regular health screening once in a while so you can monitor your health and make adjustments to your lifestyle. Though these risk factors are beyond our control, here are other risk factors that we can change to lower the risk of stroke. 

Your lifestyle and habits can increase your risk of stroke. An unhealthy diet can cause diabetes and high cholesterol which increase the likelihood of stroke. Obesity along with lack of exercise is also another factor. Unhealthy lifestyle such as smoking and drinking also leads to tons of other health issues other than increasing your risk of stroke. Patients with a certain heart condition, such as having an irregular heartbeat are also more prone to having a stroke. 

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Always eat a balanced diet and ask for less sugar or salt in your diet. If you do not smoke, that’s great but that does not mean you are free from the harmful effects smoking tobacco can do to our lungs! Second-hand smoke is just as harmful, so try to avoid walking behind someone who is smoking or the smoking areas. For a healthy body, exercise 30 minutes daily even if it’s just brisk walking. 

Reduce your risk of stroke today!