Until you have actually seen someone in the process of having a stroke it is difficult to know what to look for. Being witness to an oncoming stroke can be confusing. You may look at your friend, co-worker, or loved one and think “something just isn’t right”, yet not fully know what is going on.

Knowing the signs ahead of time will help you realize what is happening fast so you can call for help and get that person the medical attention that can help stave off lasting irreparable damage.

During a stroke, your blood supply to your brain is cut off. Treatment as soon as possible is needed to help prevent brain damage and a possibly resulting death.

Use the FAST test to check for common stroke symptoms

F: Face – Ask the person to smile and see if one side of the face does not rise.

A: Arms – Ask the person to raise both arms above their head. If one drops down that is also a sign of stroke.

S: Speech – Ask them to repeat a short phrase. If a stroke is present you will hear slurred and or strange speech including wrong words.

T: Time – If the answer was YES to any of these, call 911 immediately.

Strokes may also present gradually. In a gradual oncoming stroke there will be warning signs before it becomes a full stroke. These are also vital to know as well.

• Confusion
• Trouble understanding other people
• Having a hard time talking
• Vision issues in one or both eyes
• Numbness or weakness on one side of the body in your face, leg, or arm
• Dizziness
• Sudden severe onset headache

If you begin to have any of these symptoms or more than one in combination call 911 immediately as strokes progress quickly and you may be rendered unable to dial or speak correctly.

800,000 people per year in the USA alone have a stroke. They may strike anywhere and at any time. Knowing the signs can make a big difference in saving someone’s life and just as importantly their quality of life.

For more health information check out our past publications as well as check back often for new materials. Visit www.tampacardio.com or call 813-975-2800 to schedule an appointment to keep yourself in the best cardiovascular health possible. Tampa Cardiovascular Associates has a full staff of amazing cardiologists and nutritionists to get you in the best health possible.