According to the Center for Disease Control, nearly 800,000 people die each year from strokes. Recognizing the sudden warning signs of stroke and alerting 9-1-1 immediately could save a life. There is a useful acronym to help you remember the signs of stroke called FAST.
Warning signs of stroke
- Sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden confusion and trouble speaking
- Sudden dizziness, trouble walking, loss of balance
- Sudden and severe headache with no known cause
Risk factors of stroke
- Excess weight
- High cholesterol/high blood pressure/diabetes
- Lack of physical activity
- Smoking
- Alcohol use
Remember FAST
F – Face: Ask the person to smile and look for face drooping
A – Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms and watch for one arm drifting down
S – Speech: Ask the person to repeat a sentence and listen for slurring
T – Time: If any of these signs are observed, call 9-1-1 immediately
