To be smart about strokes, you have to BE FAST

That car you see swerving all over the road might not have a drunken driver behind the wheel.

The driver might be having a stroke.

Maryland State Police and other departments across the state are learning to tell the signs of stroke when pulling over suspected DUI motorists.

It’s part of Maryland being a Stroke Smart State, a national public health initiative aimed at early detection and prevention of stroke. At the same time, May is National Stroke Awareness Month. Both have the same goal: teaching everyone, from older adults to school children, the importance of identifying stroke symptoms quickly and calling 911.

Those lessons have been top of mind at Meritus Medical Center, which was designated a Primary Stroke Center in 2007, said Jennifer Smith, B.S.N., R.N., stroke care specialist at Meritus Medical Center.

There was an average of 41.8 deaths per 100,000 people in Washington County between 2017 and 2019, according to the Healthy Washington County FY2022 Community Health Needs Assessment, the most recent assessment available.

“Every 40 seconds in the United States, someone is having a stroke,” Smith said.

What is a stroke?

A stroke occurs when a blood vessel is blocked or a ruptured blood vessel interrupts blood flow to the brain. Within minutes, brain cells begin to die because of the lack oxygen and nutrients to the brain tissue. Without immediate treatment, a person could die or suffer permanent disability.

“Remember: Time is brain when it comes to stroke,” Smith said. “The more time between the onset of stroke symptoms and receiving immediate treatment, the more likely the patient could have long-term disabilities associated with having a stroke. However, many people will fully recover from a stroke.”  

It’s been the hospital’s goal to teach the community about the signs of stroke and what actions to take.

Anyone can use the BE FAST approach to identify someone suffering a stroke:

• Balance issues, dizziness, and nausea/vomiting
• Eyesight changes like blurred or double vision
• Facial drooping or muscle weakness, particularly on one side of the face
• Arm or leg weakness or numbness on one side of the body
• Speech difficulties such as slurred speech or trouble finding words
• Time to call 911 immediately upon experiencing these symptoms

Who can have a stroke?

Another important thing to remember: Strokes can happen to anyone and at any age. While many associate strokes with older adults, they are increasingly happening to younger patients, Smith said. Meritus has treated stroke patients in their 30s.

The reason for the increase in young adults is due to how quickly poor lifestyle choices can affect the body and the overall risk for stroke. Experts have long known that diet and lifestyle contribute significantly to cardiovascular health. High cholesterol, High blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, are major stroke risk factors, controlling these risk factors for stroke is critical to preventing future strokes.

The American Heart Association highlights "Life's Essential 8" factors that have the most influence on cardiovascular health: Diet, exercise, tobacco use, proper sleep, and management of weight, cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure.

Smith admitted at least one of those factors is becoming harder to do.

“The cost of nutritious food continues to be on the raise,” she said.

But the cost of not knowing the stroke risk factors, how to prevent a stroke and recognizing stroke signs and symptoms is even higher.

“Just improving and maintaining cardiovascular health can help you enjoy a longer healthier life,” she said.

To learn more about stroke and stroke prevention, visit www.meritushealth.com/stroke.