What to Do If You're Having a Stroke

A stroke occurs when a blood vessel carrying oxygen to the brain bursts or is blocked by a clot. As the oxygen supply to the brain is cut off, the brain begins to die.

Stroke signs include:

• Numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Confusion and disorientation
• Nausea and headache
• Difficulty seeing
• Difficulty walking, speaking, or understanding others

What to do if you have a stroke:

The key to surviving a stroke is to act fast. The sooner the patient experiencing the stroke reaches emergency care, the more likely damage of the stroke can be limited. However, since stroke injures the brain, you or somone you love may not realize that a stroke is occuring. If you suspect you have suffered a stroke, don’t hesitate to call 9-1-1.

After emergency treatment for stroke, patients should focus on preventing another stroke by monitoring risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or abnormal heart rhythm.

For more information on stroke, see below:

Ten Best Supplements for Heart Health

Blood Pressure Predicts Stroke Risk