Understanding
stroke.
Learn about stroke risk factors, and recognise when urgent help is needed.
Think FAST: Face, Arms, Speech, Time to call 999. Get emergency help if stroke symptoms occur, even if they then stop.
What you need to know.
A stroke happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted. It is a medical emergency. A planned health screen can help you understand some risk factors, but it cannot check for or treat an active stroke.
Signs & symptoms
- Sudden weakness on one side of the face
- Sudden weakness or numbness in an arm
- New slurred speech or difficulty speaking
- Other sudden changes, including vision loss
Factors to discuss
- High blood pressure
- Smoking
- Diabetes and high cholesterol
- Some heart rhythm problems, including atrial fibrillation
What testing can tell you.
Blood pressure, cholesterol and HbA1c are included in Essential, Advanced and Performance & Longevity. These can contribute to a discussion about cardiovascular risk. Heart rhythm problems need an appropriate clinical assessment.
A routine health screen does not diagnose a stroke or rule out the possibility of one. Screening cannot guarantee that a future stroke will be prevented.
Your next step
If you have symptoms or a specific health concern, speak to your GP. If you’re choosing a routine health screen, review the package’s included tests or ask our team for help.
Further reading: NHS information on this topic