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The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

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Understanding Stroke

Contact the Bureau of Chronic Disease Prevention

A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot (ischemic stroke) or bursts (hemorrhagic stroke). When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood (and oxygen) it needs and this can lead to damage or death of the affected area of the brain.1

In 2020, stroke was the fifth leading cause of death in the United States. For African Americans, the risk of having a first stroke is nearly twice that of Caucasian Americans. The geographic areas with the highest death rates due to stroke are in the southeastern United States. Stroke can also cause disability and reduce mobility.1,2

One of the very best things you can do to help a person who may be having a stroke is to remember the signs and CALL 9-1-1 - even if you are not sure. You could be saving a life! (BE FAST)

Here is the acroynm (letters to remember) to help you save a life.

B - Balance - Look for loss of balance.

E - Eyes - Check for vision loss.

F - Face - Look for an uneven smile.

A - Arms - Check to see if one arm is weak.

S - Speech- Listen for slurred speech.

T - Time - It is time to CALL 9-1-1, if any of these signs are present.

References:

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). About Stroke. Retrieved February 3, 2020, from: https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/about.htm
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2019. Stroke Facts. Retrieved December 9, 2019, from: https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/facts.htm