Don’t Wait — Act FAST: Expert Q&A on Stroke Symptoms and Prevention

Amir Hadanny, M.D., Ph.D.

Credit: Aviv Clinics

A stroke can happen suddenly — and knowing the early warning signs can save a life. To help patients and families understand how to spot a stroke, act fast and reduce their risk, The Educated Patient spoke with Amir Hadanny, M.D., Ph.D., CEO, chief medical officer and head of research at Aviv Clinics.

In this Q&A, Hadanny breaks down the FAST method for recognizing stroke symptoms; explains why every minute matters during an emergency; and shares practical steps anyone can take to lower their risk through prevention, lifestyle changes and emerging tools that support early detection.

What are the most common warning signs of stroke that patients and families should know about?

Amir Hadanny, M.D., Ph.D.: The most common warning signs of a stroke are sudden and noticeable changes in how a person moves, speaks or feels.
A simple way to remember them is with the word FAST.

• Face: one side of the face may droop or feel numb. When the person is asked to smile, the smile may look uneven.
• Arm: weakness or numbness in one arm. The person may not be able to raise both arms evenly.
• Speech: speech may become slurred, strange or hard to understand. The person might also have trouble finding the right words.
• Time: if any of these signs appear, it is time to call emergency services right away.

Other possible symptoms include sudden vision loss in one or both eyes, trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or a sudden severe headache unlike any before.

How important is it to act quickly when someone is showing stroke symptoms, and what should people do right away?

AH: A stroke is a true medical emergency, and every minute matters. When a stroke occurs, part of the brain stops receiving enough blood and oxygen. The longer this continues, the greater the risk of permanent brain damage. Acting quickly can save brain cells, limit disability and significantly improve the chances of recovery.

If someone shows any sign of a stroke, call emergency services immediately. Do not wait to see whether the symptoms go away or attempt to drive the person to the hospital yourself. Paramedics can begin critical care on the way and take the patient to a hospital prepared to treat strokes.

While waiting for help, keep the person calm and safe. Make note of the exact time symptoms began, since this information guides doctors in choosing the best treatment. Avoid giving food, drink or medication, and if possible, keep the person’s head slightly elevated.

The sooner treatment begins, the better the outcome. Fast action can make the difference between full recovery and lasting disability.

What lifestyle changes or medical steps can help lower the risk of stroke?

AH: Many strokes can be prevented through healthy habits, regular medical care and careful management of medical conditions that affect blood flow to the brain.

Keeping blood pressure within a healthy range is one of the most powerful ways to lower stroke risk. High blood pressure is the leading cause of stroke, and controlling it through diet, exercise and medication when needed can make a major difference. Managing diabetes, cholesterol and weight is equally important, as these conditions can damage blood vessels over time.

Healthy lifestyle choices are essential. Regular physical activity; a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins; and limiting salt, sugar and saturated fats all support long-term vascular health. Avoiding smoking and keeping alcohol use moderate further reduces risk.

Regular checkups are important to monitor and treat any underlying medical issues. In some cases, additional evaluations such as heart rhythm monitoring or carotid artery studies may be needed to detect problems that require specific management.

In short, stroke prevention begins with everyday habits and ongoing medical care. By staying proactive and addressing risk factors early, people can greatly reduce their chances of experiencing a stroke.

Are there certain groups of people who should be especially vigilant about stroke prevention?

AH: Yes. While anyone can experience a stroke, certain groups of people are at higher risk and should be especially careful about prevention.

People with high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol or heart disease face a greater likelihood of having a stroke. Those who have had a previous heart attack or other vascular problems, such as peripheral artery disease, carotid artery narrowing or erectile dysfunction, should also be alert. These conditions indicate that the blood vessels may not be functioning properly, and the same process that reduces blood flow to the heart or other organs can also affect the brain.

An irregular heart rhythm known as atrial fibrillation is another major risk factor because it can lead to the formation of blood clots that may travel to the brain.

Age and family history are also important. The chance of stroke rises with age, especially after 55, and people with close relatives who have had a stroke or other vascular disease may share a genetic tendency.

Lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol use, poor diet and physical inactivity further increase risk.

Women can be at higher risk during pregnancy, while taking hormonal birth control or when using hormone replacement therapy after menopause.

Anyone with a history of heart or vascular disease should consider stroke prevention part of their regular health plan. Keeping blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar under control, staying active, eating well and following medical advice can greatly reduce the chances of stroke.

What new tools or approaches are making it easier to detect stroke risk early?

AH: Several new tools and technologies are making it easier to detect stroke risk earlier and more accurately, giving doctors the opportunity to intervene before serious damage occurs.

Advanced imaging is one of the most promising areas. Modern ultrasound, CT and MRI techniques can now provide detailed pictures of blood vessel health, helping identify which plaques in the carotid arteries are more likely to cause a stroke. Artificial intelligence is being used to analyze these images, allowing for faster and more precise assessment of changes that may go unnoticed with standard methods.

Wearable and noninvasive monitoring devices are also emerging. Researchers are developing new headsets and wrist-based sensors that can track blood flow and other vascular signals in real time. These tools could one day allow people at higher risk to monitor their brain and heart health from home.

Even smartphones are beginning to play a role. Apps are being tested to help patients and caregivers recognize early stroke symptoms and contact emergency services faster.

Artificial intelligence is also improving how doctors estimate a person’s overall stroke risk. By combining medical history, imaging, lab results and even heart rhythm data, AI-based models can spot patterns that traditional risk scores might miss.

While many of these innovations are still in research or early clinical use, they point toward a future where stroke risk can be detected earlier, monitored more easily and treated before it becomes an emergency.