Know the Signs of a Stroke

A stroke occurs when blood and oxygen stop reaching part of the brain due to a blockage or a rupture in a blood vessel. There are two main types of stroke: ischemic and hemorrhagic.

An ischemic stroke can occur when fatty buildup from high cholesterol gradually narrows blood vessels and causes a blockage, or when a blood clot forms in the heart and travels to the brain. This can happen with medical conditions such as atrial fibrillation. Ischemic strokes are the most common type of stroke.

A hemorrhagic stroke, on the other hand, occurs when a blood vessel ruptures and causes bleeding in the brain. While both types of stroke may have similar symptoms, they are treated differently.

What are the symptoms of a stroke?

If you notice any of these symptoms, remember BE FAST and call 911 immediately:

B – Balance
Is the person suddenly having trouble with balance or coordination?

E – Eyes
Is the person experiencing sudden blurred or double vision, or a sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes without pain?

F – Face drooping
Does one side of the face droop or feel numb? Ask the person to smile.

A – Arm weakness
Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

S – Speech difficulty
Is the person’s speech slurred, are they unable to speak, or are they hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence such as, “The sky is blue.” Is the sentence repeated correctly?

T – Time to call 911
If the person shows any of these symptoms, even if they go away, call 911 and get them to the hospital immediately.

Source: American Stroke Association

What should I do if I or someone around me is having a stroke?

• Call 911 immediately. The faster someone reaches the hospital, the sooner they can receive life-saving medications and treatment that may reduce or reverse the effects of a stroke. The longer blood flow to the brain is interrupted, the greater the risk of permanent damage or death.
• Note the time when symptoms first appear. This information helps doctors choose the most appropriate treatment.
• Do not let the person experiencing the stroke fall asleep.
• Do not give the person food, water, or medications. They are at increased risk of choking, and certain medications, such as aspirin, could worsen their condition if the stroke is hemorrhagic.
• Do not drive yourself or the person experiencing the stroke to the emergency room.

Do I need to perform CPR on someone who is having a stroke?

People experiencing a stroke do not usually require CPR. However, if the person becomes unconscious and is not breathing or does not have a pulse, begin CPR immediately. If you are unable or unwilling to give rescue breaths, you can perform hands-only CPR after calling 911.

You can give chest compressions to the beat of songs such as “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees, “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd, or “Crazy in Love” by Beyoncé (100–120 beats per minute) until paramedics arrive.

What increases my risk of having a stroke?

• Smoking
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Atrial fibrillation or other heart conditions
• Obesity
• Illicit drug use or heavy alcohol use
• Poor diet or lack of exercise
• Pregnancy
• Preeclampsia
• Birth control use
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Migraines with aura combined with smoking

How can I help prevent a stroke?

• Get yearly checkups with your doctor. If you have conditions such as atrial fibrillation, diabetes, or are pregnant, your doctor can help manage your health with medications, goal-setting, and close monitoring to reduce your risk.
• Lifestyle changes, such as improving your diet and increasing physical activity, can help lower stroke risk. Some people may also benefit from medications that reduce blood clot formation or prevent blockages. For example, brisk walking for 150 minutes per week can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
• Taking medications as prescribed and making healthy choices in your daily routine can significantly reduce your risk of having a stroke or heart attack.