Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention - WA State Dept. of Health

Signs of Stroke

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www.doh.wa.gov
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Would you know if someone were having a stroke?

Your ability to identify a stroke could save a friend, family member or co-worker from serious brain damage.

Three simple questions can help you

determine if someone is having a stroke.

Ask the person to:		Photo of State Health Officer Dr. Maxine Hayes & Brother Madison Monroe, a member of St. John Baptist Church, Tacoma, WA.
	Smile…while you look for facial weakness, especially on one side	If the person cannot do even one of these tasks, call 9-1-1 immediately as the person could be having a stroke. Every minute that passes increases the chance of brain damage.
	Raise both arms…while you watch for both arms to remain at the same height
	Speak a simple sentence…while you listen for slurring

Stroke is a leading cause of death and serious long-term disability in Washington. Although most of those who experience stroke are in their 60s, 70s, 80s, and older – stroke can occur at any age. In Washington, about 10 people die from stroke every day.

Stroke affects the arteries that deliver oxygen and other nutrients to the brain. Someone affected by stroke might have difficulty speaking, lose the ability to lift their arms or walk, have difficulty seeing in one or both eyes, experience numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, and can quickly lose consciousness. Quick action and medical attention can reduce permanent brain damage and disability and potentially save someone’s life.

It is important for everyone to know how to identify a stroke and when to call 9-1-1 for help. This is especially important for African Americans, who have among the highest rates of disability and death due to stroke.

For more information, call 1-888-438-2247. You can also visit the American Stroke Association website, www.strokeassociation.org.

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Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention Program
Washington State Department of Health
111 Israel Road SE, P.O. Box 47855
Olympia, Washington, 98504-7836

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Documents posted in .pdf version on the Department of Health Web site will be made available in an alternative format on request to users who are unable to download or view .pdf files on the Web. To request an alternative format, contact: Miriam Patanian; email: heart.stroke@doh.wa.gov