STROKE
Stroke: The Facts
Up to 80% of strokes are preventable
Strokes can happen to anyone at any time
Strokes are the #5 killer of adults in the United States
There are nearly 7 million stroke survivors in the United States
Stroke recovery is a lifelong process
What is a stroke?
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of your brain is diminished or interrupted completely. This deprives the brain tissue of necessary oxygen and nutrients. Within minutes, brain cells begin to die, so prompt treatment is vital.
Signs and Symptoms
Sudden Numbness in the Face, Arm, or Leg - Especially on One Side
Sudden Confusion or Difficulty Speaking
Sudden Loss of Balance/Coordination
Sudden Trouble Seeing in One or Both Eyes
Headache
If you think someone is having a stroke, time is the biggest factor in their chance for survival and safety. Check the time if possible, go through the following questions, and be ready to call 911.
F. A. S. T.
Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of their face droop?
Arms: Ask the person to life their arms. Does one arm drift downward?
Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?
Time to call 911: Don't hesitate. Make sure to tell them when the first symptom appeared.
Risk Factors: Men and Women
Overweight/Obese
Smoking (Directly or Second Hand)
Heavy Drinking
Illicit Drug Abuse
Lack of Physical Exercise
High Blood Pressure
Atrial Fibrillation AFib
Diabetes
Circulation Problems
Carotid Artery Disease
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Family History of Stroke or Heart Attack
Click here for a Cholesterol Fact Sheet provided by the National Stroke Association.
Click here for a brochure about High Blood Pressure and Stroke provided by the National Stroke Association.
HEART ATTACK
Heart Attack: The Facts
Someone has a heart attack every 43 seconds
Heart disease is preventable
After just one year after quitting smoking, your risk of coronary heart disease is reduced by 50%
Heart attacks can occur at any age
Heart disease is the #1 killer of women in the United States
What is a heart attack?
Like most things in our bodies, our hearts need oxygen in order to survive. A heart attack occurs when the oxygen is severely diminished or completely cut off to the heart, usually because of the build-up of plaque in the coronary arteries. When this plaque breaks free, a blood clot forms around it and the clot may cut off blood flow to the heart. As the heart suffers from loss of oxygen and nutrients, it may become damaged or even die, which is called a myocardial infraction or, more commonly known, a heart attack.
Signs and Symptoms
Men
Women
Pain or Discomfort in the Chest
Lightheadedness, Nausea, or Vomiting
Jaw, Neck, or Back Pain
Discomfort or Pain in the Arms or Shoulders
Shortness of Breath
Breaking Out in a Cold Sweat
Pain or Discomfort in the Chest
Lightheadedness, Nausea, or Vomiting
Jaw, Neck or Back Pain
Discomfort or Pain in the Arms or Shoulders
Shortness of Breath
Breaking Out in a Cold Sweat
Uncomfortable Pressure or Fullness in Chest that Lasts More than a Few Minutes or Goes Away and Comes Back
Extreme Fatigue
Pressure or Pain in Lower Chest Area or Upper Abdomen
The Difference?
While most women who experience heart attacks feel discomfort or pain in their chest, they are also more likely to experience the rarer, less severe symptoms like pain in the jaw or back, nausea, vomiting, and, in particular, shortness of breath. Many women who have had heart attacks didn't seek help because they thought they had the flu.
Although both men and women can feel like they have an elephant on their chest while having a heart attack, women can experience heart attacks without any chest pressure.
The Most Important Thing to Remember?
Don't wait to call for help. If you think you're having a heart attack or experience any combination of the symptoms above, please get help immediately - have someone drive you to the emergency room or call 911. DO NOT DRIVE YOURSELF UNLESS THERE ARE NO OTHER OPTIONS! If you are having a heart attack, your condition may worsen while driving and increase the risk of car accident.
Some heart attacks strike quickly and with little warning, but a majority of people who have a heart attack start experiencing symptoms days or even weeks before the actual heart attack. One such early warning sign is chest pressure that is relieved by rest and aggravated by exertion.
Risk Factors: Men and Women
Age
Smoking (Directly or Second-Hand)
High Blood Pressure
High Blood Cholesterol or Triglyceride Levels
Obesity
Diabetes
Metabolic Syndrome
Family History of Heart Attack
Lack of Physical Activity
Stress
Illicit Drug Use
History of Preeclampsia
Autoimmune Condition
Click here for a free PDF explaining the warning signs of heart attacks offered by the American Heart Association.