Raising Awareness: The Importance of Recognizing Stroke Symptoms in Hispanic Communities

As stroke rates continue to climb among Hispanic populations in the United States, alarming statistics reveal a stark reality—fewer than 60% of Hispanic adults can accurately identify the symptoms of a stroke. This shortfall is particularly concerning given that strokes are the fourth leading cause of death for Hispanic men and the third leading cause for Hispanic women. According to reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), awareness of stroke symptoms within these communities lags significantly behind that of their white and Black counterparts, where recognition rates stand at 71% and 64%, respectively.

Stroke progression is swift and destructive; experts indicate that nearly two million brain cells perish each minute during a stroke. This emphasizes the urgency in raising awareness during critical times such as Survive Stroke Week, taking place from May 4 to May 10. Launched by the Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery (SNIS), this initiative seeks to inform and educate Hispanic individuals about stroke risks and symptoms.

Dr. Johanna T. Fifi, an interventional neurologist at Mount Sinai Hospital and President of SNIS, highlights the implications of delayed treatment for stroke patients. The statistics are daunting: a significantly higher percentage of white patients—37.4%—arrive at healthcare facilities within three hours of experiencing stroke symptoms, compared to only 28.9% of Hispanic patients. Moreover, within border states, research shows that Hispanic patients who suffer from ischemic stroke are 30% more likely to die in the hospital than their non-Hispanic peers.

The message from health professionals is clear; time is critical when it comes to stroke treatment. Dr. Fifi states, “Every stroke patient, regardless of their background or circumstance, deserves equal access to the highest standard of care.” He underlines the lifesaving nature of timely intervention, pointing out that with proper medical advancements—such as thrombectomy—many patients can recover fully or with minimal disability, provided they receive timely care.

To assist in recognizing these symptoms, physicians across the nation advocate using the acronym