Settlement Guide: 10 facts about stroke

1. One in six Australians will suffer from stroke at some point in their lifetime

2. One in three people die within a year of having a stroke

3. Stroke kills more women than breast cancer and more men than prostate cancer

4. 20 per cent of people who experience a stroke are under the age of 55

5. Men are more likely to suffer a stroke at a younger age

6. Blood pressure is one of the most important known risk factors for stroke

High blood pressure is when your blood pressure is over 140/90. This is known as hypertension. Normal blood pressure is around 120/80.

7. The FAST test is an easy way to recognise and remember the signs of stroke

Using the FAST test involves asking these simple questions: Face - Check their face. Has their mouth drooped? Arm - Can they lift both arms? Speech - Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you? Time - Time is critical. If you see any of these signs, call 000 straight away.

8. The signs of stroke may occur alone or in combination

It can last a few seconds or up to 24 hours and then disappear. When symptoms disappear within 24 hours, this episode is a mini-stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA).

9. Some treatments for stroke must be given within 4.5 hours of the stroke starting or presentation of stroke symptoms

10. Emergency medical treatment is crucial

If you are having a stroke, emergency medical treatment could save your life and can reduce the likelihood of permanent brain damage. Only a doctor can decide whether you are having or have had a stroke.

For more information visit the Stroke Foundation.

Resources are available in eight languages.

If you need an interpreter call the Telephone Interpreting Service on 13 14 50, say the language you need and wait on the line for an interpreter.