Piedmont Macon explains stroke warning signs and risks

Remember BE FAST: balance problems, vision changes, face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, time to call 911.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Piedmont Macon says recognizing the warning signs of a stroke and acting quickly can save lives.

Monica Cook, stroke manager at Piedmont Macon, says it is important to know the acronym BE FAST, which stands for balance problems, vision changes, face drooping, arm or leg weakness, speech difficulty and time to call 911.

Cook says if any of these symptoms occur, it is critical to call 911 immediately.

“Hypertension or high blood pressure is the number one risk factor when it comes to stroke,” says Cook.

She says high blood pressure over time increases the risk of clot formation or blockages in blood vessels, which can lead to a stroke.

“If you can have one thing to focus on and reduce your risk of stroke, it would be your blood pressure,” says Cook.

Cook says nearly 80% of strokes are preventable through lifestyle modifications and that strokes can happen at any age.