What are the symptoms of a stroke? How should you react? And why does blood pressure matter?
Professor Ronan Collins, HSE Lead at the National Stroke programme, joins me on this week’s episode of the Real Health podcast.
Professor Ronan Collins stresses that stroke is common, with a one-in-four lifetime risk, and can affect people of any age. About 85% are caused by blocked arteries and the rest by bleeding in the brain. Outcomes depend on rapid treatment, so “time is brain,” meaning every second counts. He urges the public to recognise FAST warning signs: facial droop, arm weakness and speech problems and to call emergency services immediately rather than dismiss symptoms during everyday activities without hesitation or delay.
You can listen to the full episode here or wherever you get your podcasts.