Remember FAST
FAST is an easy way to remember several of the most common stroke warning signs.
F: Face Drooping
Ask the person to smile.
Does one side of the face droop? Does the smile look uneven? Is one side numb?
A: Arm Weakness
Ask the person to raise both arms.
Does one arm drift downward? Are they unable to lift one arm? Does one side feel numb or weak?
S: Speech Difficulty
Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence.
Is the speech slurred, strange, incomplete, or difficult to understand?
T: Time to Call Emergency Services
If any of these signs are present, call your local emergency number immediately.
Record the time the symptoms began or the last time the person was known to be normal. This information helps the medical team determine which treatments may be appropriate.
FAST Does Not Include Every Stroke Symptom
FAST is extremely helpful, but some strokes cause symptoms that are not captured by the acronym.
Other sudden warning signs include:
- Severe dizziness
- Loss of balance
- Double vision
- Sudden vision loss
- Severe headache
- Vomiting
- Difficulty swallowing
- Sudden confusion
If a sudden neurological change seems unusual or alarming, seek emergency care even when the FAST test appears normal.
What Is a TIA?
A transient ischemic attack occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted temporarily.
It can cause the same symptoms as a stroke, including:
- One-sided weakness
- Speech difficulty
- Vision loss
- Confusion
- Numbness
- Loss of balance
The symptoms may disappear completely, sometimes within minutes.
This does not make the episode harmless.
A TIA can be an urgent warning that a full stroke may occur. Emergency evaluation can help identify the cause and allow preventive treatment to begin quickly.
What to Do While Waiting for Help
- Keep the person in a safe, comfortable position.
- Note the time symptoms began.
- Loosen tight clothing if necessary.
- Stay with the person and observe any changes.
- Prepare a list of medicines and medical conditions if available.
- Follow the emergency dispatcher’s instructions.
What Not to Do
- Do not give food or drinks because swallowing may be impaired.
- Do not give aspirin unless a medical professional specifically instructs you to do so.
- Do not wait for symptoms to disappear.
- Do not let the person drive.
- Do not assume the symptoms are caused by stress or fatigue.
- Do not put anything in the mouth if a seizure occurs.
Aspirin can be useful for some types of stroke, but it may worsen bleeding in the brain. The stroke type must be identified by medical imaging before certain treatments are given.
9 Ways to Lower Stroke Risk
Not every stroke can be prevented, but many major risk factors can be managed.
Prevention is usually built through small, consistent steps rather than dramatic changes made all at once.
1. Manage Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is one of the most important modifiable stroke risk factors.
It can damage blood-vessel walls and increase the risk of both blocked arteries and bleeding in the brain.
Helpful steps include:
- Checking blood pressure regularly
- Taking prescribed medicine consistently
- Reducing excess sodium
- Staying physically active
- Maintaining follow-up appointments
- Limiting alcohol
Do not stop blood-pressure medicine because the numbers improve. The medicine may be the reason they are controlled.
2. Control Cholesterol
High levels of certain blood fats can contribute to plaque buildup inside arteries.
Plaque can narrow blood vessels or break apart, allowing a clot to travel toward the brain.
A clinician may recommend dietary changes, physical activity, weight management, or cholesterol-lowering medicine based on your overall cardiovascular risk.
3. Manage Diabetes and Blood Sugar
Persistently high blood sugar can damage blood vessels and accelerate artery disease.
People with diabetes can reduce risk by:
- Monitoring blood sugar as advised
- Taking medicines correctly
- Attending regular checkups
- Following an individualized eating plan
- Remaining physically active
- Managing blood pressure and cholesterol
4. Stop Smoking
Smoking damages blood-vessel walls, promotes clot formation, reduces oxygen delivery, and accelerates plaque buildup.
Quitting begins improving circulation and cardiovascular health over time.
Support may include counseling, nicotine-replacement products, prescription medicines, or a structured cessation program.
5. Follow a Heart-Healthy Eating Pattern
A balanced eating pattern can support blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and weight management.
Emphasize foods such as:
- Vegetables
- Fruit
- Whole grains
- Beans and lentils
- Fish
- Nuts and seeds
- Lean protein sources
- Unsaturated oils
Limit foods high in sodium, added sugar, trans fats, and heavily processed ingredients.
6. Stay Physically Active
Regular movement can strengthen the heart, improve circulation, help regulate blood pressure, and support healthy blood sugar levels.
Activities may include:
- Walking
- Cycling
- Swimming
- Dancing
- Gardening
- Strength exercises
- Chair-based exercise when mobility is limited
The appropriate type and amount of exercise depend on age, health conditions, mobility, and fitness level.
Stroke prevention becomes even more effective when everyday habits are combined with medical monitoring for heart rhythm problems, weight, alcohol use, and chronic stress.
