What is a stroke?
A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. Brain cells begin to die in minutes, making this a medical emergency requiring immediate attention.
Types of stroke:
- Ischemic stroke (87%): Caused by a blocked artery
- Hemorrhagic stroke (13%): Caused by bleeding in the brain
- Transient ischemic attack (TIA): "Mini-stroke" with temporary symptoms
FAST Protocol: Recognize the Signs
🚨 F.A.S.T. TEST:
- F - Face Drooping: Is one side of the face drooping or numb? Ask the person to smile.
- A - Arm Weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms.
- S - Speech Difficulty: Is speech slurred or strange? Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase.
- T - Time to Call 911: If you see any of these signs, call 911 immediately.
Additional Warning Signs
Sudden onset of:
- Severe headache with no known cause
- Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance
- Confusion or trouble understanding
- Numbness or weakness in face, arm, or leg
Immediate Actions to Take
If you suspect someone is having a stroke:
- Call 911 immediately - Don't wait
- Note the time when symptoms first appeared
- Keep the person safe - Help them lie down
- Don't give food or water - Swallowing may be impaired
- Stay calm and comfort the person
- Be ready to perform CPR if needed
What NOT to do:
- Don't give aspirin or other medications
- Don't drive to the hospital yourself
- Don't wait to see if symptoms improve
- Don't leave the person alone
Risk Factors
Controllable risk factors:
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Physical inactivity
Non-controllable risk factors:
- Age (risk increases after 55)
- Gender (men have higher risk at younger ages)
- Race/ethnicity
- Family history
- Previous stroke or TIA
⏰ Time is Brain:
- 0-3 hours: Best window for clot-busting drugs
- 0-6 hours: Window for mechanical clot removal
- Every minute counts: 1.9 million brain cells die per minute
- Quick treatment: Can prevent disability and save lives
Prevention Strategies
Lifestyle modifications:
- Control blood pressure: Keep it below 140/90 mmHg
- Manage cholesterol: LDL below 100 mg/dL
- Exercise regularly: 150 minutes/week moderate activity
- Eat a healthy diet: Mediterranean-style diet
- Maintain healthy weight: BMI 18.5-24.9
- Don't smoke: Quitting reduces risk immediately
- Limit alcohol: No more than 1-2 drinks/day
📋 Remember: BE-FAST
- B - Balance: Loss of balance or coordination
- E - Eyes: Sudden vision loss
- F - Face: Facial drooping
- A - Arms: Arm weakness
- S - Speech: Speech difficulties
- T - Time: Time to call 911
Every second counts. When in doubt, call 911!
