Survey highlights Asian and Black women more aware of stroke symptoms than men

A new survey has revealed that Asian and Black women are more likely to know the three most common signs of a stroke than their male counterparts - despite men being at a higher risk of having a stroke at a younger age than women.

The survey, designed specifically for Asian and Black communities to understand the current levels of knowledge about stroke, highlights that some of the key Act F.A.S.T. stroke campaign messages are getting through but there’s still more work to be done.

It found that 86 per cent of of men surveyed knew the three most common signs of a stroke compared to 91 per cent of women. While most people (84 per cent) were aware that the faster stroke patients receive medical treatment the greater their chances of a better recovery, surprisingly, almost 40 per cent were not aware that getting treatment fast could help avoid long-term disability. Treatment is more effective if it is received within three hours of the onset of a stroke.

Women were also found to have more knowledge of the Act F.A.S.T. acronym which is used to help people identify the signs of a stroke (72 per cent of women vs 62 per cent of men).

F.A.S.T. stands for:

• Face – has their face fallen on one side? Can they smile?
• Arms – can they raise both their arms and keep them there?
• Speech – is their speech slurred?
• Time – time to call 999

Professor Julia Verne, public health England director: “The results show that some of our ACT F.A.S.T. messages are getting through to those most at risk of stroke. However, it’s clear that we need to work harder to increase awareness of all the common signs of stroke and improve understanding that acting fast can save lives and prevent long-term disability.”

Stroke is a medical emergency, however, women were more likely than men to say that they would seek help quickly if they notice someone showing the signs of a stroke. The Act F.A.S.T. stroke campaign stresses the importance of acting fast and calling 999 as soon as you see even one of the signs developing in yourself or someone else.

Actor Bhasker Patel, who helpled publicize the survey, said: “I’m pleased that our community has taken time out to participate in this survey. The results are fascinating and interesting. It’s great to know that we have high levels of awareness of the stroke signs but we must not be complacent. We need to do more to make sure that we continue to spread awareness of all the signs and encourage everyone to act fast, without delay when they notice any one of the signs of stroke. I hope these results will go a long way to help inform future ACT F.A.S.T. campaigns.”