Warning Signs

If you have a heart attack or stroke, you are more likely to survive if you know the warning signs. If these warning signs are present, CALL 9-1-1.

Heart Attack 

You may have one or more of the following signs of a heart attack. Heart attack symptoms may also be different in men and women.¹

Stroke 

It is important to know the signs of a stroke so that patients can receive treatment as soon as possible and reduce damage to the brain. Rehabilitation and prompt medical treatment can help a person recover from the effects of stroke and prevent another stroke from occurring.

The F.A.S.T. test is an easy way to remember the symptoms of a stroke.²

• F means Face—If one side of the face droops, it’s a sign of a possible stroke.
• A means Arms—If the person cannot raise both arms out, it’s another possible stroke sign.
• S means Speech—Slurring words and poor understanding of simple sentences is another possible stroke sign.
• T means Time—If you see any of these signs, it’s time to call 9-1-1 immediately.

References

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention, 2015. Heart attack signs and symptoms. Retrieved December 3, 2019, from: https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/signs_symptoms.htm
2. CDC, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention, 2019. Stroke signs and symptoms. Retrieved December 3, 2019, from: https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/signs_symptoms.htm