DH urges public to recognise stroke symptoms using “FAST” mnemonic and adopt healthy lifestyles in support of World Stroke Day
In support of World Stroke Day, the Department of Health (DH) today (October 29) urged the public to familiarise themselves with the symptoms of stroke, and keep the “FAST” mnemonic in mind. If they notice such symptoms in themselves or others, they should seek immediate medical attention to increase the chances of survival and a full recovery.
The “FAST” mnemonic identifies the three warning signs of stroke:
- face drooping: asymmetrical facial expressions;
- arm weakness: limb weakness on one side of the body;
- speech difficulties: difficulties in communicating with others; and
- time: call for immediate medical assistance to save lives.
“According to the World Health Organization, the lifetime risk of stroke has increased by 50per cent over the past 20 years. It is estimated that one in four adults will experience a stroke in their lifetime. Over 100 million people worldwide have suffered a stroke. Last year, stroke was the fourth most common cause of death in Hong Kong. A total of 2 786 registered deaths (provisional figure) were recorded, 5.3 per cent of which were individuals aged 49 or below. The theme for World Stroke Day 2026 is ‘Every Minute Counts’, emphasising the importance of seeking prompt medical attention after a stroke,” said the Controller of the Centre for Health Protection of the DH, Dr Edwin Tsui.
Although the incidence of stroke increases significantly with age, it is not limited to the elderly. Globally, more than 60 per cent of stroke cases involve people under 70, and 16 per cent involve people under 50.
“Most stroke cases can be attributed to modifiable risk factors, including high blood pressure, smoking, excessive low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, a diet high in sodium, high fasting blood glucose, being overweight, physical inactivity and alcohol consumption. However, the DH’s Population Health Survey 2020-22 revealed that a considerable number of people are unaware that they are facing these health risk factors. Among those aged between 15 and 84 with hypertension, <a said Dr Tsui.
As announced in the Chief Executive’s 2025 Policy Address, the Hospital Authority will establish, in phases, Stroke Centres and Integrated Cardiovascular Diseases Centres in accordance with national accreditation standards to improve treatment effectiveness. In particular, the Stroke Centres at Tuen Mun Hospital and Queen Mary Hospital obtained national accreditation in 2025. Separately, the Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong has launched the Post-stroke Care Programme to provide patients with treatments led by Chinese medicine practitioners with support from Western doctors.
Since most risk factors for stroke can be mitigated by leading a healthy lifestyle to eliminate these risk factors. They are also advised to participate in the Primary Healthcare Co-care Network (Co-care Network) to achieve “early prevention, early detection and early treatment” comprehensively, and prevent non-communicable diseases, including stroke.
“The Government has long been adopting a life-course health promotion strategy to promote health, including encouraging the public to adopt a healthy lifestyle encompassing healthy eating, refraining from smoking and alcohol consumption, being physically active and maintaining a healthy body weight, to guard against non-communicable diseases including stroke. In March 2026, the DH announced the Action Plan on Weight Management (Action Plan) to provide appropriate support at every key stage of life, from prenatal nutrition, habit formation during school years, and health management for working adults to maintaining physical function in the elderly. The Action Plan also aims to strengthen the role of primary healthcare as the ‘gatekeeper’, promoting collaboration between Chinese and Western medicine, and integrating health data through the eHealth platform to support citizens in managing their health, allowing traditional wisdom and modern evidence-based medicine to complement each other in safeguarding the health of citizens,” added Dr Tsui.
Furthermore, the 10 000 Steps a Day Walking Challenge, launched by the DH in 2022, has been regularised starting from this March. Walking is a simple physical activity that can be easily incorporated into daily life. Engaging in a sufficient amount of walking is highly beneficial to health. It not only helps maintain an optimum body weight, improves cardiopulmonary function, and strengthens muscles and bones, but also helps reduce risks associated with non-communicable diseases, including stroke. Those who have yet to join can participate in the 10 000 Steps a Day Walking Challenge via the e+Life platform of the eHealth mobile app, and explore thematic walking routes with family and friends.
Separately, the Co-care Network, announced by the Government in March this year, is guided by the principle of “whole-person health”. It introduces life-course-spanning preventive measures alongside a structured framework for regular screening and management of high-risk diseases. Members of the public may visit the
<p>The DH will continue to promote healthy living among the public and collaborate with community partners to foster healthy living environments. For more information, please visit the Change for Health
