Spot a Stroke F.A.S.T.

Call to Action

  • Embrace Life’s Essential 8 to reduce your risk for stroke.
  • Learn the F.A.S.T. warning signs of stroke.
  • Call 911 if you think you’re having a stroke. Don’t wait. Time lost is brain lost.

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What are Silent Strokes?

Silent strokes are undetected strokes. They occur when a blood vessel blockage in the brain causes cells to die, but no warning signs or symptoms are obvious. About one-fourth of people over age 80 have at least one such area of tissue death, known as a "silent infarct," in the brain.

The condition is more common with increasing age, and in people who smoke or have a history of vascular disease (conditions that affect your blood vessels). Experts estimate that 10 silent strokes occur for every stroke with detectable symptoms. Despite being called "silent," these infarcts have been linked to subtle problems in a person's movement and mental processing.

They also are linked to future risk for stroke and dementia. Silent infarcts can be seen in patients through advanced brain imaging techniques such as MRI and CT Learn more about the effect of stroke.

EmPOWERED to Serve Health Lesson – Spot a Stroke FAST | F.A.S.T. is an easy way to remember the sudden signs of stroke. When you can spot the signs, you'll know that you need to call 911 immediately. F.A.S.T. is: • Face Drooping. • Arm Weakness. • Speech Difficulty. • Time to call 911.

Written by American Heart Association editorial staff and reviewed by science and medicine advisors. See our editorial policies and staff.

Spot a Stroke Fast

A large percentage of strokes that happen are treatable—but only if you get the right care, right away.

Anyone can have a stroke and everyone should be prepared. It's a matter of knowing what to do, taking action and spreading the word.

Learn more about stroke symptoms

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