When it comes to stroke, every second counts.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, someone in the United States has a stroke every 40 seconds, and someone dies from a stroke every 3.5 minutes. During a stroke, blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted, depriving brain cells of the oxygen they need to survive. The sooner treatment begins, the greater the chance of recovery and the lower the risk of permanent disability.
That’s why Montage Health encourages everyone to remember the acronym BE FAST, a simple tool that can help people recognize the warning signs of a stroke and seek emergency care immediately.
“Time lost is brain lost,” says Erin Constantz, stroke program coordinator at Montage Health. “Recognizing the signs of stroke quickly and calling 911 right away can make a significant difference in a patient’s outcome. The faster someone receives treatment, the better their chances of recovery.”
Stroke signs are the same for everyone
Just one of the BE FAST symptoms can mean a stroke. Symptoms happen suddenly, but they may be subtle at first and easy to dismiss. If you notice any of the BE FAST symptoms in yourself or someone else, call 911 immediately. It’s also important to note the exact time symptoms first appear, as that information helps medical teams determine the most appropriate treatment.
Stroke risk factors and prevention
While some risk factors for stroke, such as age and family history, cannot be changed, many others can be managed through healthy lifestyle choices. High blood pressure is the leading risk factor for stroke, but regular exercise, a balanced diet, weight management, and medication when needed can help keep it under control. Other preventable risk factors include heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, excessive alcohol consumption, and illicit drug use.
“Many strokes are preventable,” Constantz says. “Working with your primary care doctor, staying active, eating well, and managing chronic conditions can significantly reduce your risk.”
Montage Health offers a variety of resources to help community members improve their health, including nutrition counseling, health and wellness classes, primary care and specialty services, and addiction recovery support. These services can help individuals address risk factors before they lead to a stroke.
Stroke treatment at Montage Health
If a stroke does occur, Montage Health’s Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula is prepared to respond quickly. The hospital has held Joint Commission certification as an Advanced Primary Stroke Center longer than any other facility in Monterey County. Patients arriving by ambulance are met immediately by the stroke team, receive a rapid medical evaluation, and undergo brain imaging to determine the best course of treatment.
Depending on the type of stroke, treatment may include clot-dissolving medication known as tenecteplase, which can restore blood flow when given quickly after symptoms begin.
For certain severe strokes that happen when a blood clot blocks one of the brain’s main blood vessels, Community Hospital offers mechanical thrombectomy — a minimally invasive procedure that removes the clot and helps restore blood flow to the brain. The advanced procedure is available locally thanks to Montage Health's partnership with University of California, San Francisco, made possible by a generous philanthropic gift from David and Joan O'Reilly through Montage Health Foundation.
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