A recent study presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2025 suggests that the F.A.S.T. acronym may be more effective in helping the public remember critical stroke warning signs compared to the BE-FAST alternative.
Researchers found that both acronyms increased the likelihood of calling 911 from approximately 70% to 90% immediately after an educational video. However, the F.A.S.T. acronym (Face, Arm, Speech, Time) demonstrated superior performance in helping participants recall key stroke symptoms.
The study, which involved a nationally representative online survey of English-speaking participants, revealed that adding two extra letters (Balance and Eye) to the original F.A.S.T. acronym might actually hinder memory recall. Participants in the F.A.S.T. group showed significantly higher symptom recognition both immediately after the video and 30 days later.
With approximately 800,000 people in the U.S. experiencing a stroke annually, effective communication of warning signs is crucial. Immediate treatment can minimize long-term effects and potentially prevent death. The research highlights the importance of designing public health communication strategies that are not just comprehensive, but also easily memorable.
Study lead author Dr. Opeolu Adeoye emphasized that while healthcare professionals aim to provide the most comprehensive warning signs, the public's ability to quickly recall and act on these signs is paramount. The study suggests that simplicity might be key in stroke awareness campaigns.
The findings could prompt a reevaluation of stroke awareness strategies, potentially influencing how healthcare systems and organizations communicate stroke warning signs to the public.
