Every Minute Counts: How to Spot a Stroke or Heart Attack and What to Do
Someone in the US has a stroke every 40 seconds, yet most people cannot name all the warning signs. Learn BE FAST, the heart attack signs women often miss, why you should call 911 instead of driving, and print a card for your wallet.
Why the first minutes matter
Strokes and heart attacks rarely look like the movies. There may be no dramatic collapse. Instead, a face droops a little at dinner. An arm feels heavy. Chest pressure gets blamed on indigestion. People wait, hoping it passes, and precious time slips away.
The CDC reports that stroke patients who reach the emergency room within 3 hours of their first symptoms often have less disability three months later than those whose care was delayed. Knowing the signs, and acting on them, can make a real difference for someone you love.
BE FAST: the signs of a stroke
Most strokes happen when blood flow to the brain is blocked. About 87% of strokes are this kind. Signs usually come on suddenly. Doctors and hospitals teach the letters BE FAST to help you remember them.
- 01BBalanceSudden loss of balance or dizziness.
- 02EEyesSudden trouble seeing out of one or both eyes.
- 03FFaceOne side of the face droops. Ask the person to smile.
- 04AArmOne arm is weak or numb. Ask them to raise both arms. Does one drift down?
- 05SSpeechSpeech is slurred or strange. Ask them to repeat a simple sentence.
- 06TTimeTime to call 911 right away. Note the time the signs started.
Even if the signs go away after a few minutes, call 911 or get emergency care. A brief stroke like episode can be a warning that a larger stroke may follow.
Heart attack signs, including the ones women miss
According to the American Heart Association, most people having a heart attack feel discomfort in the center of the chest. It can feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain, and it may come and go.
- Discomfort in the center of the chest
- Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach
- Shortness of breath, with or without chest discomfort
- Breaking out in a cold sweat
- Nausea or feeling lightheaded
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Feeling unusually tired
Call 911. Do not drive.
When it might be a heart attack or stroke, calling 911 is almost always the fastest way to get lifesaving treatment. Emergency crews can start care as soon as they arrive. Doctors at the Cleveland Clinic also advise against driving someone with stroke signs to the hospital yourself. Call 911 and wait for the ambulance.
- Call 911 and stay on the line
- Write down or remember the time the signs started
- Unlock the door and turn on a porch light
- Gather a list of the person's medicines if it is close by
- Stay with the person and keep them calm
- Do not give them anything to eat or drink if stroke is possible
Keep this card handy
Print this card and keep it in your wallet or on the fridge. You can also share it at work, at school or wherever your community gathers.
B Balance lost. E Eyes blurry. F Face drooping. A Arm weak. S Speech slurred. T Time to call 911. Heart attack signs: chest discomfort, pain in arms, back, neck or jaw, shortness of breath, cold sweat, nausea.
Lower your risk
High blood pressure is a major risk for both stroke and heart attack, and many people do not know they have it. Read The Silent Number to learn what your reading means and where to get a free check. Regular movement helps too. Our gentle week of movement and after dinner walk are easy places to start.
A community ready to respond
Workplaces, schools and community groups gather many of the people most at risk every week. A few simple steps can help your group be ready:
- Teach BE FAST at a staff meeting or in a newsletter
- Post the wallet card near phones and in the kitchen
- Know who in your group is a nurse, doctor or EMT
- Ask your local fire department or a CPR instructor to train volunteers
- Make sure everyone knows the building address to give 911 dispatchers
Frequently asked questions
What does BE FAST stand for?
Balance, Eyes, Face, Arm, Speech and Time to call 911.
What are the first signs of a heart attack in a woman?
Chest pain or discomfort is the most common sign for women, as for men. Women may also feel anxiety, nausea, vomiting or unusual tiredness and weakness.
Should I drive someone to the hospital if I think they are having a stroke?
No. Call 911 so emergency crews can begin care right away.
How common are strokes?
More than 795,000 people in the US have a stroke each year, about one every 40 seconds.
Take care of your heart and mind together. Read how daily stress builds up or try our guided breathwork.
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