There are three major symptoms of stroke. These are easily remembered with the acronym “FAST” for Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to call 9-1-1. The American Stroke Associationexplains that during a stroke, one side of the face droops or is numb, one arm is weak or numb, and speech is slurred.
If you are with someone you suspect of having a stroke, remember the last part of the acronym: T for “Time to call 9-1-1.” Check the time and assess when the symptoms began so you can tell a medical professional. Do not waste one second of time. As Christa Callahan, RN, Stroke Program Nurse Manager at Inova Fairfax Hospital says, “Time is brain.”
The risk of heart attack, cardiac arrest, and stroke is higher for people who smoke or have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or a sedentary lifestyle. All people, but especially those with any of these risk factors, should be aware of the symptoms of a heart attack, cardiac arrest, and stroke.
And don’t forget, if you are with anyone exhibiting symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately. There is no home remedy for a heart attack or stroke. The best course of action is to get professional help as soon as possible.
RESOURCES INOVA HEART AND VASCULAR INSTITUTE, AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION, MAYOCLINIC, AND AMERICAN STROKE ASSOCIATION
