Every second counts: The signs of stroke you need to know

Every second counts when it comes to stroke and knowing what to do could be the difference between life and death. That’s the life-saving message behind National Stroke Week, running from August 4–10, with a powerful call to action: “Know the signs and you could save a life.”

Stroke remains one of Australia’s biggest killers, but experts say the vast majority, more than 80 per cent, are preventable. The key lies in recognising the warning signs and acting fast.

This year’s campaign urges all Australians to learn the F.A.S.T. test — a simple but vital checklist to identify signs of stroke:

• Face Check their face. Has their mouth drooped?
• Arms Can they lift both arms.
• Speech Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?
• Time Is critical. If you see any of these signs, call 000 straight away.

Professor Dominique Cadilhac, from Monash University’s School of Clinical Sciences and the Victorian Heart Institute said, knowing the signs of stroke and acting FAST in calling an ambulance and going to hospital is essential to minimise lifelong disability or death from stroke.

“Data from the Australian Stroke Clinical Registry emphasises the long-term health impacts that face Australian survivors of stroke, with three in four patients experiencing problems with either mobility, self-care, performing usual activities, pain and discomfort, or anxiety and depression,” Professor Cadilhac said.

“In our latest report for the Stroke Foundation, we showed that stroke can happen in people at any age, with one in four occurring in people aged under 65 years.

“If Australians could better manage high blood pressure, then we could potentially avert 970 strokes from the 45,000 expected to occur each year.”

While acting FAST in an emergency can save a life, experts say the most powerful action many Australians can take happens well before a stroke occurs—through lifestyle changes that reduce risk.

“With stroke as a leading cause of disability worldwide, focusing on prevention is critical, and physical activity is a key component,” said Professor Monique Kilkenny, also from Monash University’s School of Clinical Sciences.

In Australia, two in three adults are overweight or obese, underscoring the urgent need for greater awareness around lifestyle choices. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and managing conditions like high blood pressure can significantly lower your risk of stroke and improve overall wellbeing.

Staying active doesn’t have to be difficult. These straightforward tips are designed to help older adults and caregivers build more movement into each day:

• Take breaks from sitting: Setting a timer to stretch and move regularly can help reduce time spent sitting.
• Encourage walking: Whether indoors or around the grounds, short walks contribute to improved mobility.
• Get extra steps: For those able, parking a little farther away or choosing a longer route can add steps without extra effort.
• Take the stairs: If possible, using the stairs can build strength and balance.
• Aim for daily activity: Start with as little as 15-30 minutes a day, gradually increasing time and intensity based on comfort and ability.

IMPORTANT LEGAL INFO This article is of a general nature and FYI only, because it doesn’t take into account your personal health requirements or existing medical conditions. That means it’s not personalised health advice and shouldn’t be relied upon as if it is. Before making a health-related decision, you should work out if the info is appropriate for your situation and get professional medical advice.