[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2020\/09\/stroke-care-be-fast\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2020\/09\/stroke-care-be-fast\/","headline":"Stroke Care: UPMC’s BE FAST","name":"Stroke Care: UPMC’s BE FAST","description":"More than 750,000 people in the United States suffer from stroke. Find out how you can spot the early warning signs and help those affected get fast care.","datePublished":"2020-09-25","dateModified":"2026-05-01","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/","name":"UPMC","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/upmc\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/iStock-1046447804.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/iStock-1046447804.jpg","height":332,"width":754},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2020\/09\/stroke-care-be-fast\/","about":["Health Topics A-Z","Neurosurgery and Brain Health"],"wordCount":284,"articleBody":"In the United States, stroke affects more than 750,000 people each year. It’s the leading cause of adult disability and the fifth leading cause of death.It’s important for someone who is having a stroke to receive immediate care. When a stroke occurs, 2 million brain cells are lost every minute. People suffering from a stroke have a better chance of recovering when treated early to restore blood flow.Fortunately, we can all BE FAST when it comes to spotting stroke warning signs and getting victims the care they need. Don’t Delay Stroke TreatmentA study by the UPMC Stroke Institute found that the number of people going to the hospital for stroke treatment was down 40% since the COVID-19 pandemic began compared to previous years.Doctors say patients should seek immediate care if they suspect they are having a stroke — every second counts.How Can You BE FAST?A stroke requires immediate attention.When you recognize the signs of a stroke and take quick action, victims have a better chance of recovery.Remember this acronym so you can recognize the warning signs: BE FAST.Balance–Sudden loss of balanceEyes–Sudden double vision or vison lossFace–One side droopingArms–One arm weak or numbSpeech–SlurredTime–BE FAST:\u00a0 CALL 911!Get Stroke Treatment ImmediatelyIf you think you are having a stroke, it’s important to seek medical care right away. Call 911.Learn More About UPMC Stroke InstituteEditor's Note: This article was originally published on September 25, 2020, and was last reviewed on May 1, 2026.SourcesNational Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP), Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention (DHDSP). Stroke Facts. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Link"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2020","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2020\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"09","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2020\/\/09\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Stroke Care: UPMC’s BE FAST","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2020\/09\/stroke-care-be-fast\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]