According to the National Stroke Association, strokes are the fourth leading cause of death in America. They are also a leading cause of debility among older adults. Fortunately, 80% of strokes are preventable.
What is a stroke? A stroke is when a blood clot blocks an artery or a blood vessel, and this blockage cuts off blood supply and oxygen to the affected area. As a result, the tissue and organs in the area die. There are two types of strokes: ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke. Ischemic strokes occur when arteries are blocked by plaque or a blood clot. Hemorrhagic strokes occur when a blood vessel in the brain breaks and blood is leaked onto the brain, causing serious damage.
Fortunately, knowing how to recognize a stroke in a victim can literally be a lifesaver. Use FAST as a tool to remember the four warning signs of a stroke.
F – Face: Is one of side of their face drooping? Have the individual smile and look for any differences.
A –Arms: Ask the individual to raise both of their arms. Are they able to keep both up? Does one arm start to drift downward?
S – Speech: Is their speech hard to understand? Are they slurring words?
T – Time to Call 911: If they are exhibiting any of the above symptoms, call 911 and seek medical attention immediately.
According to the American Heart Association, there are some other symptoms that you can look for such as sudden numbness or weakness in the legs, an onset of confusion and difficulty understanding, trouble seeing, increased inability to walk or maintain balance and coordination, and severe headaches.
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