Summary: Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of disability, especially if not addressed immediately. Would you recognize the signs?Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of disability. Stroke can (and often does) occur without warning, and its effects can be devastating. For people experiencing the symptoms of stroke time is of the essence. The symptoms of stroke need to be recognized quickly and immediate action needs to be taken. F.A.S.T., which is the acronym being promoted through the AHA/ASA's Together to End Stroke initiative, is an easy way to remember the sudden signs of stroke. F stands for face drooping; A for arm weakness; S for speech difficulty, all of which are major symptoms of stroke. T stands for time, which emphasizes the severity of the situation and indicates the need to immediately call 911. Sports cardiologist, Dr. John P. Higgins, MD, discusses the signs to help you recognize when a stroke is happening to you or a loved one.
