What Is a Stroke?

A stroke occurs when a blockage to the brain's blood supply occurs. Stroke symptoms (for
example, loss of arm or leg function or slurred speech) signify a medical emergency because
without treatment, blood deprived brain cells quickly become damaged or die resulting in brain
injury, serious disability, or death. Call 9-1-1 if you notice stroke symptoms developing in
someone.

Stroke Symptoms

Cal 9-1-1 if any of these symptoms occur in someone suddenly:

Difficulty speaking

Difficulty understanding or confusion, especially with simple tasks

Difficulty with muscle strength, especially on one side of the body

Difficulty with numbness, especially on one side of the body

Severe headache

Vision changes (in one or both eyes)

Difficulty with swallowing

Facial droop on one side

Stroke Test or FAST test : Smile, Wave, Talk

The F.A.S.T. test helps spot symptoms. It stands for:

F means face: If one side of the face droops, its a sign of a possible stroke

A means arms: If the person cannot hold both arms out, its another possible stroke sign

S means speech: Slurring words and poor understanding of simple sentences is another
possible stroke sign

T means time: If any of the FAS signs are positive, its Time to call 9-1-1 immediately

Stroke: Time = Brain Damage

Remember the FAST test for stroke; the T in FAST also means the longer time the blockage of
blood (usually due to clot formation) to the brain, the more damage to the brain can occur. In
some qualified patients, the use of a clot-busting drug may be used to dissolve the clot and
restore blood flow. For many patients, the time span to diagnose and treat such a clot is usually 3
hours (some clinicians suggest a bit longer time). Often, patients do not qualify for this
treatment. There are also some risks like bleeding associated with this treatment that may cause
problems.

Because treatments are sometimes difficult to qualify for and because damage to brain cells can
happen quickly, strokes are a leading cause of long-term disability in people.

Ischemic Stroke

This slide shows a CT scan of an ischemic stroke, which is responsible for about 80% to 90% of
all strokes. Ischemic strokes are caused by clots that reduce or stop blood flow to the brain. The
clot may develop elsewhere in the body and just get stuck in a brain vessel or the clot may
originate in the blood vessel.

Hemorrhagic Stroke

This slide shows a hemorrhagic stroke using an MRI image. The circle insert diagrams what
composes a hemorrhagic stroke. A blood vessel in the brain breaks open and blood escapes into
the brain under pressure, compressing other blood vessels and brain cells causing damage and
death. This bleeding into the brain is difficult to stop and is more likely to be fatal to the patient.

'Mini-Stroke' (TIA)

"Mini-strokes" (also termed transient ischemic attacks or TIAs) are temporary blockages of
blood vessels in the brain. TIAs can produce mild stroke symptoms that resolve. TIAs often
occur before a stroke happens so they serve as warning signs that the person may need stroke
preventive therapy.

What Causes a Stroke

Common causes of stroke come from blood vessels both outside and inside the brain.
Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) can occur when plaque (deposits of cholesterol,
calcium, fat, and other substances) builds up and narrows the vessel making it easy for clots to
form and further occlude the vessel. The clots can break free only to occlude smaller blood
vessels inside the brain. The blood vessels inside the brain itself can accumulate this plaque.
Occasionally, weakened vessels can burst and bleed into the brain.
Stroke Risk Factors: Chronic Conditions

Common conditions that increase a person's risk for strokes include high blood pressure,
elevated cholesterol levels, diabetes, and obesity. People can reduce stroke risks by addressing
these problems in consultation with their doctor.

Heart Disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. 1 in every 4 deaths is due to heart
disease.

Severe chest pain may be an obvious sign something is wrong. But heart disease can be deadly
because many people don't recognize some early signs and symptoms and they don't seek
treatment until it may be too late.

Heart Disease Warning Signs

Heart symptoms may not always be explicit so do not ignore any potential cardiac warning signs.
Some warning signs not to ignore include: shortness of breath, heartburn, muscle soreness,
painful hiccups, neck or upper back pain, or other symptoms discussed in this slide show. People
with known heart disease or significant risk factors such as people over age 65, strong family
history of heart disease, obesity, smokers, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes
should pay extra attention to any possible cardiac symptoms.

Heart Disease Risk Factors

It is important to pay attention to any symptoms that may indicate heart disease. Don't ignore
them or wait for them to go away see your doctor for testing and diagnosis. Many people
mistake heart disease symptoms for heartburn or muscle soreness. If you have any cardiac
disease risk factors, including being male, over age 65, have high cholesterol or high blood
pressure, are obese, a smoker, diabetic, or have a family history of heart disease you need to pay
extra attention to any potential heart disease symptoms.

1. Anxiety
One symptom of an impending heart attack can be extreme anxiety. You may feel as if you are
having a panic attack and experience shortness of breath, palpitations, chest pain, and dizziness.
If you experience these symptoms go to an emergency room right away.

2. Chest Discomfort

Chest pain is a typical symptom of a heart attack. However, only about half of all women
experiencing a heart attack may have chest pain. In addition, chest pain can be a result of other
conditions that are not related to the heart.

When chest pain is heart-related it is often centered under the breastbone, slightly to the left of
center. It can feel like extreme pressure on the chest, or just an uncomfortable sensation of
pressure, squeezing, or fullness. Women may experience minor aches or even a burning
sensation.

3. Cough

In heart failure, fluid may accumulate in the lungs, causing a persistent cough or wheezing.
Sometimes the cough may produce bloody phlegm. If you have a chronic or worsening cough or
wheezing that makes it hard to breathe or affects your daily life, see your doctor.

4. Dizziness

Heart attacks and heart rhythm abnormalities called arrhythmias can cause dizziness,
lightheadedness, and even fainting. Many different conditions can cause these kinds of
symptoms, so see a doctor to find out if heart disease is the cause of your dizziness.

5. Fatigue

Fatigue is one of those symptoms that can be attributed to many different medical conditions.
Sometimes women in particular to experience unusual fatigue during and in the days prior to a
heart attack. Heart failure can cause people to feel tired all the time. When you are so fatigued it
affects your daily function ion, it is time to see a doctor.

6. Nausea or Lack of Appetite

Nausea, indigestion, vomiting, or abdominal swelling can occur during a heart attack. Sometimes
the poor circulation due to a weak heart or blocked arteries can cause these symptoms. This is
common in women, and often gets worse with activity and improves with rest. If you are
experiencing nausea or lack of appetite that follows this pattern, see your doctor.

7. Pain In Other Parts of the Body

While chest pain is common in a heart attack, pain may occur in other areas of the body. Many
people experience heart attacks as pain that begins in the chest and spreads to the shoulders,
arms, back, neck, jaw, or abdomen. Men may experience pain in their left arm during a heart
attack; women may experience pain in either arm or between the shoulder blades. The pain may
come and go and may be mild or severe. If you experience pain similar to this, go to an
emergency department immediately. You may be experiencing a heart attack.

8. Rapid or Irregular Pulse

An occasional "skipped" heartbeat may be no cause for concern. But if you have a rapid or
irregular heart rate this could be a symptom of a heart attack, heart failure, or an arrhythmia. This
rapid or irregular pulse may also be accompanied by weakness, dizziness, or shortness of breath.
Seek medical attention immediately some arrhythmias can lead to stroke, heart failure, or death
without prompt medical intervention.

9. Shortness of Breath

During a heart attack or heart failure, fluid may leak into the lungs, causing shortness of breath.
People may feel breathless even at rest. Shortness of breath can be due to other conditions such
as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) but it can also be a sign of heart attack or
heart failure.

10. Sweating

Breaking out into a sudden sweat for no reason is actually a common symptom of a heart attack.
Sweating profusely when you don't have a fever and are not exerting yourself or in a hot
environment especially if accompanied by other symptoms such as lightheadedness, shortness
of breath nausea, or chest pain may be a symptom of a heart attack.

11. Swelling

When the heart is weakened it pumps blood less effectively, and this can lead to fluid retention
that results in swelling (edema) of the lower extremities or abdomen. Heart failure can also cause
sudden weight gain and loss of appetite.

12. Weakness

Severe and unexplained weakness may be a sign of an impending heart attack. The heart is
unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. Blood gets diverted to the most critical
organs such as the heart, lungs, and brain, and away from the muscles.

12 Possible Heart Symptoms Never to Ignore - Summary

If you notice any of the symptoms discussed in this slide show, see your doctor or go to an
emergency department right away. If you have any risk factors for heart disease it is especially
important to pay attention to your body and get any symptoms checked out by a doctor. Getting
prompt medical attention may save your life!