STIRLING, Scotland — Just over half the people in the U.S. would know how to recognize a stroke and when to call an ambulance, a new study found.
Researchers say the results suggest better education on the issue is needed, Reuters reported.
Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S. and a major cause of disability, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
If a patient gets to the hospital within three hours of the first symptoms, doctors can break up blood clots and the patients will be more likely to make a full recovery. However, most stroke victims delay calling an ambulance.
Researchers did telephone surveys of about 500 people in the U.S. and 800 in the U.K. Survey participants were provided with potential stroke scenarios and asked how they would react.
About 70 percent of people in the U.S. could identify the symptoms correctly, compared to 63 percent in the U.K.
However, only around 55 percent of people in both countries were likely to call emergency services.
Researchers also said that if people are alone while having a stroke, it is harder for them to notice the first symptoms, such as changes in facial muscles or slurred speech.