A stroke can happen to anyone, no matter their age. The World Stroke Association estimates that one in four people over age 25 will experience a stroke in their lifetime. It can happen anywhere – at the office, in a grocery store, in your home – and being able to recognize the signs of a stroke could save precious, life-saving minutes. The faster a stroke is treated, the more likely the patient will be able to recover.
What exactly is a stroke?
A stroke occurs when a rupture or clot interrupts the brain’s blood flow. Without oxygen-filled blood, brain cells begin to die. Stroke can be caused by several factors, but the number one cause of stroke in the US is hypertension, also known as high blood pressure. Having high blood pressure puts strain on our heart’s artery walls, creating pressure and the perfect conditions for the artery to rupture.
To recognize the signs of stroke, think FAST:
- F – Face Drooping – Does one side of the face droop, or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person’s smile uneven?
- A – Arm Weakness – Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
- S – Speech – Is speech slurred? Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like “The sky is blue.”
- T – Time to call 911 – If you have any of these symptoms or see someone else having them, call 911 immediately! Note the time when any symptoms first appear.
Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. has a stroke. Remember to think FAST next time you see someone acting out of the ordinary and be prepared to call 911 to potentially save their life.
