Stroke Symptoms

Why Should the Latinx Community Be Concerned?

Strokes are the fifth leading cause of death and disability in the United States, according to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Alarmingly, recent data indicates that stroke prevalence among Hispanic adults increased by 16.1% from 2011–2013 to 2020–2022 . Additionally, stroke death rates among Hispanic adults rose from 221.6 to 234.0 per 100,000 between 2019 and 2020. These statistics highlight the importance of awareness and proactive health measures within our community.

Recognizing the Signs of a Stroke

Time is critical when dealing with a stroke. The faster someone receives medical attention, the better their chances of recovery. Remember the acronym F.A.S.T.:

• Face drooping: Is one side of the face numb or drooping? Ask the person to smile.
• Arm weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms.
• Speech difficulty: Is speech slurred or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence.
• Time to call 9-1-1: If any of these signs are present, call emergency services immediately.
  

For more information on stroke symptoms and what to do, visit the CDC’s stroke communications toolkit: CDC Stroke Communications Toolkit.