Stroke Signs & Warnings

Stroke is the #3 cause of death, and the #1 cause of disability, in America. The Hope Heart Institute is committed to combating stroke through education and prevention programs. Know your risk for stroke – take our stroke risk assessment online. And learn to act FAST if you think someone is having a stroke:

F: Face - Have the person smile. Does one side of the face droop?
A: Arms - Have the person hold out their arms – does one drift down?
S: Speech – does the person have difficulty repeating a simple phrase?
T: Time - If any of these apply, time is crucial – call 911.

What is Stroke?

Stroke is a disease that affects the arteries leading to and within the brain. It is the No. 3 cause of death in the United States. A stroke occurs

when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood (and oxygen) it needs, so it starts to die.

Stroke can be caused either by a clot obstructing the flow of blood to the brain (called an ischemic stroke) or by a blood vessel rupturing and preventing blood flow to the brain (called a hemorrhagic stroke). A TIA (transient ischemic attack), or "mini stroke", is caused by a temporary clot.

It's very important to take immediate action at the first sign of stroke. Call 9-1-1 immediately so an ambulance (ideally with advanced life support) can be sent for you.

Warning Signs

-Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body confusion
-Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding trouble-seeing
-Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes dizziness
-Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination headache
-Sudden, severe headache with no known cause

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Source: American Stroke Association and National Stroke Association