Oct. 29 is World Stroke Day. Stroke is the No. 4 cause of death in the U.S, and a leading cause of long-term disability. To help people recognize the warning signs of stroke, the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association is offering a free mobile app.
With the “Spot a Stroke F.A.S.T.” app, smartphone users can call 911 directly, locate hospitals and view a stroke warning signs video that is part of an American Stroke Association public service campaign with the Ad Council.
F.A.S.T. stands for:
• F — Face drooping: Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile.
• A — Arm weakness: Is one side of the body weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
• S — Speech difficulty: Is speech slurred? Are they unable to speak, or are they hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence like: “The sky is blue.” Is the sentence repeated correctly?
• T — Time to call 911: If the person shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 911 and get them to the hospital immediately.
Kelli Dixon, executive director of the Miami Valley Division of the American Heart Association states “Even if you don’t think you’re at risk for a stroke, it’s important for everyone to know stroke warning signs and what to do in a stroke emergency.” “When someone recognizes a stroke and acts fast by calling 911, the person has a greater chance of getting to an appropriate hospital quickly and being assessed for a clot-busting drug or other medical devices that may save their life and improve their chances for recovery.”
Defining Stroke
• Stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. Without oxygen-rich blood, brain cells die.
• 87 percent of strokes are classified as ischemic. An ischemic stroke occurs when a clot or a mass blocks a blood vessel, cutting off blood flow to a part of the brain.
• A TIA (transient ischemic attack) is often called a “mini stroke” or “warning stroke.” The difference between a TIA and a stroke is that the blockage is transient or temporary. Symptoms are exactly the same as stroke, but usually last less than five minutes.
• A hemorrhagic stroke (intracerebral hemorrhage or ICH) occurs when a weakened blood vessel ruptures. Like ischemic stroke, a major cause of hemorrhagic stroke is uncontrolled hypertension.
• Patients should seek immediate medical treatment by dialing 911 at the very first sign of stroke, even if the symptoms go away.
The American Stroke Association is devoted to saving people from stroke, which is America’s No. 4 killer and a leading cause of serious disability. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-888-4STROKE or visit strokeassociation.org. For a direct link to the “Spot a Stroke F.A.S.T.” mobile app, visit StrokeAssociation.org/WarningSigns.
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