Is it a stroke? Be F.A.S.T.
Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death and number one cause of disability in the U.S. However, early recognition and treatment of stroke can significantly reduce its impact.
It’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of stroke. If you or a loved one is experiencing any of the stroke symptoms below, call 9-1-1 and seek immediate medical attention. Every second counts.
To remember the symptoms of a stroke, B.E. F.A.S.T.:
B = Balance (Do you have sudden loss of balance or coordination?)
E = Eyes (Is your vision blurred? Do you have double vision or sudden trouble seeing out of one or both eyes?)
F = Face (Can you smile? Does one side of the face sag or droop?)
A = Arms (Can you raise both arms? Or does one arm drift downward?)
S = Speech (Is your speech slurred or strange-sounding? Can you repeat a single sentence?)
T = Terrible headache and time to call 911 (Sudden onset of a terrible headache or “the worst headache of your life”)
Time is critical. Call 911 at any sign of stroke. Every second, 32,000 brain cell die. You can prevent or limit disabilities by going to the emergency room right away.
Physical signs of stroke include:
- Extremity numbness
- Eyesight difficulty
- Dizziness
- Sudden, severe headaches
Stroke risk factors that cannot be controlled, include:
- Age
- Family history
- Gender – stroke more common in women than men
- Ethnicity – stroke more common in African Americans than caucasians
- Prior transient ischemic attack or heart attack
Risk factors that can be controlled, include:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Poor diet
- Physical inactivity and obesity
Ischemic stroke is the most common type of stroke. These strokes account for approximately 83 percent of all strokes. An ischemic stroke occurs when a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain is obstructed, cutting off oxygen and blood to a portion of the brain. A patient's outlook usually depends on how much of the brain was denied oxygen and for how long. Most physicians believe treatment should begin within three hours of the onset of symptoms for the best possible outcome.
Hemorrhagic strokes are not as common as ischemic strokes, but they are much more dangerous. They account for only 17 percent of cases and 50 percent of stroke deaths. A hemorrhagic stroke is the result of a ruptured blood vessel in the brain. Because the brain has first priority when it comes to blood supply, the heart will continue to pump blood into the brain, and blood will fill the cranial cavity and compress brain tissue.
Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) are considered minor or warning strokes. Much like an ischemic stroke, a TIA involves an obstructed blood vessel, but the clot typically resolves itself. TIAs should not be ignored, however, as they are potential indicators of a major stroke in the future.
- About 795,000 Americans have strokes every year.
- Stroke is the leading cause of serious, long-term disability.
- Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S.
- Every 40 seconds someone experiences a stroke.
- About 55,000 more women than men suffer a stroke each year.
- African Americans are almost twice as likely to have a stroke as Caucasians.
Additional resources
American Heart Association
National Stroke Association
American Stroke Association
National Institute of Neurological Disorders & Stroke
Are you at risk for stroke?
Most strokes are preventable and many of the risk factors are controllable. Our stroke risk quiz helps you estimate your chance of experiencing a stroke, find ways to minimize your risk and get an idea of what to do next based on your results.
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