When someone is having a stroke, every minute matters. Acting fast can help save their life and reduce the chances of permanent damage.
That’s why it’s important to know how to spot a stroke and what to do right away.
A stroke happens when blood can’t reach part of the brain. This can stop oxygen and nutrients from getting to brain cells, and those cells begin to die within minutes. There are two main types of stroke.
One is caused by a blocked blood vessel (called an ischemic stroke), and the other happens when a blood vessel breaks or leaks (called a hemorrhagic stroke). There is also something called a mini-stroke or TIA, which is a short blockage that doesn’t cause lasting damage but is still a warning sign.
To quickly recognize a stroke, remember the word F.A.S.T. Each letter stands for a warning sign:
F is for Face drooping—ask the person to smile and see if one side of their face drops. A is for Arm weakness—ask them to lift both arms and see if one arm falls. S is for Speech problems—ask them to say something simple and check if it sounds strange or slurred. T means Time to call emergency services right away. If you see any of these signs, don’t wait. Call for help immediately.
Getting medical care quickly is key. Studies show that people who get clot-busting medicine within three hours of their first symptoms have a better recovery. That’s why it’s so important to act fast.
While waiting for help to arrive, try to keep the person calm. Lay them down in a safe place with their head slightly raised, unless it makes them uncomfortable. This position can help with blood flow and reduce swelling in the brain. Make sure they can breathe well and loosen any tight clothes around their neck or chest.
There are also some things you should not do. Don’t give the person anything to eat or drink. They might have trouble swallowing, and this could lead to choking. Also, don’t try to move them unless they’re in danger, as this could make things worse.
Preventing a stroke before it happens is also very important. Some ways to lower your risk include keeping your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol at healthy levels; quitting smoking; eating lots of fruits and vegetables; staying at a healthy weight; and being active regularly. These habits help keep your heart and blood vessels healthy.
Learning about strokes and sharing this knowledge with others can save lives. Many communities have programs to teach people how to recognize a stroke and what to do. Public health messages about the F.A.S.T. method have already helped many people get help faster.
In the end, knowing how to spot a stroke and acting quickly can make a big difference. Use the F.A.S.T. signs, get emergency help, and support the person until help arrives. The faster you act, the better the chances are for a good recovery.
If you care about stroke, please read studies about Half of people with heart rhythm diseases dying of heart attack, stroke and findings of New method reduces heart attacks and strokes over five years.
For more about stroke, please read studies about Blood thinner drug prevents strokes in hidden heart issues and findings of Intensive blood pressure treatments could prevent stroke in older adults.
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