HHS HealthBeat (February 20, 2009)

Higher risk, lower knowledge

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From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I’m Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

What are the five warning signs of a stroke? These symptoms are good to know, especially if you’re in a group that is more likely to have a stroke. But researchers say people in some groups at higher risk have low knowledge.

At the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Jing Fang examined national survey data:

"Black, Hispanic, lower education, lower income, those with previous stroke, had less awareness of stroke symptoms."  (9 seconds)

The five warning signs:

• Sudden weakness in the face, arm or leg, especially on one side
• Sudden vision disturbance in one or both eyes
• Sudden confusion or difficulty speaking
• Sudden dizziness or loss of coordination
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause.

The study was for presentation at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference 2009.

Learn more at hhs.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I’m Ira Dreyfuss.

Last revised: February, 23 2009