More work needed on acting F.A.S.T to limit stroke damage

ASIAN women are more aware of the symptoms of a stroke than Asian men, a recent survey has found.

The Stroke Act F.A.S.T. Campaign survey, as part of Public Health Eng­land (PHE), found 72 per cent of women knew the Act F.A.S.T acronym (Face, Arm, Speech, Time) compared to 62 per cent of men.

It also found only 86 per cent of men were aware of the three most common signs of a stroke, compared to 91 per cent of females.

The F.A.S.T campaign aims to make individuals aware of the four signs of a stroke – if the face has fallen to one side, if an individual can raise their arms, if speech is slurred and if it is time to call an ambulance to assist.

Professor Julia Verne, the director of PHE, said the results showed some of the messages behind the campaign were “getting through to those most at risk of stroke” but it is clear more needed to be done to raise awareness.

Emmerdale star Bhasker Patel, who helped promote the stroke campaign, added it was “great” to know the high levels of awareness within the com­munity but not to be complacent.

“We need to do more to make sure that we spread awareness of all the signs and encourage everyone to act without delay when they notice any one of the signs of stroke,” he said.

Additional findings showed 84 per cent of people were mindful that the faster stroke patients receive medical treatment, the greater their chances of a better recovery.

Almost 40 per cent admitted they were not aware that getting treatment quickly could potentially help avoid long-term disabilit