Think "FAST" When You See The Signs of Stroke

Third-Leading Cause of Death in Pennsylvania

Tom Joseph

HARRISBURG, Pa. - On average, one person dies in America every 40 seconds from a stroke. The Pennsylvania Department of Health says that in 2010, 11 percent of state residents reported having been told by a doctor they'd had a stroke, heart disease or a heart attack. 

Stroke expert Kathy Roth, a volunteer with the American Heart Association, says one way to save the life of a person having a stroke is by remembering the acronym "FAST."

"'F' stands for facial weakness. 'A' stands for arm weakness. 'S' is for speech problems. 'T' stands for time, meaning that if you notice any of these symptoms, you're supposed to act fast and call 911."

Roth says acting quickly is vital, as brain damage mounts with every passing minute following the onset of a stroke.

"Lots of people will have mobility problems, you know, like if they get the one-sided weakness with their arm and their leg. Obviously, there are problems caring for yourself that come with the physical disabilities."

Roth says there are a number of causes of stroke.

"The most common risk factors: hypertension/high blood pressure; atrial fibrillation or when your heart beats irregularly; high cholesterol. Smoking can be a risk factor, too."

According to the American Heart Association, stroke is the number-three killer in Pennsylvania. More than 6,800 residents died of stroke in 2009.