THINK F.A.S.T.
IN A POTENTIAL STROKE EMERGENCY
F.A.S.T. is an acronym for the common stroke symptoms of both women and men, so it helps to begin by learning these.
STROKE SYMPTOMS IN WOMEN
You may already know about the general warning signs of stroke, but did you know that women sometimes experience different stroke symptoms? Knowing and remembering these stroke signs in women may make a big difference in your own or someone else’s life.
LEARN TO RECOGNIZE STROKE SYMPTOMS IN WOMEN
Stroke Symptoms vs. Stroke Risk Factors for Women
It’s important to know that although some may use “stroke symptoms” and “stroke risk factors” interchangeably, they are different:
- Stroke risk factors: what can lead to a potential stroke. There are 6 Stroke Risk Factors Women Should Know.
- Stroke symptoms: includes “warning signs,” or what someone experiences during an actual stroke.
Both are good knowledge, but symptoms are what we’re covering here.
THINK F.A.S.T.
BODY NUMBNESS IN WOMEN,
ESPECIALLY ON ONLY ONE SIDE, COULD BE SERIOUS
You may be experiencing a stroke if you get that feeling of a limb “falling asleep,” either in an arm or leg or elsewhere in the body – except that it comes on suddenly and in an unexplainable way, especially if it’s only on one side.
HICCUPS
IN WOMEN COULD MEAN A STROKE
While there usually isn’t a cause for concern when you have hiccups, women who have hiccups and unusual chest pain at the same time may be having a stroke.
EXCRUCIATING HEADACHES
IN WOMEN MAY MEAN A STROKE
There are a lot of reasons women experience headaches, but stroke survivors who report a headache at the onset of a stroke often describe the pain as especially excruciating. Their pain tends to come on suddenly, with no obvious explanation.
WHEN TO GET HELP
If you’re experiencing even one of these symptoms – or are around someone who is – don’t wait.
Take action at the first sign(s):
- dial 9-1-1
- tell the emergency dispatcher that you “think someone’s having a stroke.”
- try to recall when you first noticed the symptoms for the dispatcher.
That third step helps the 9-1-1 operator and first responders make important decisions that can mean the difference between another stroke death statistic and a heart-healthy life as a stroke survivor.
BE THERE FOR THE PEOPLE YOU LOVE
While some women may think of stroke as a problem for men, the sobering fact is that it is the fifth leading cause of death in American women – 60% of the 137,000 stroke deaths each year in the U.S. are women. Perhaps even more surprising is that in one study of 1,000 women, a large majority could not identify the female-specific stroke signs or symptoms of a stroke. Incredibly, sometimes even stroke survivors trained to spot the symptoms in others didn’t recognize them in their own experiences.
The reason for this wide gap between the facts and women’s awareness may point to a need for women to learn what these specific stroke symptoms in women are. Arming yourself with this knowledge can make a big difference because as any stroke survivor will tell you, there’s a lot to live forward to.
LEARN MORE ABOUT STROKES
Warning Signs of a Stroke
From facial drooping to arm weakness, stroke warning signs can be easy to spot if you know what to look for.
Learn About the Most Common Type of Stroke
Read about when and how ischemic strokes can occur, and what causes them.
How Stroke Affects the Body
From recovery to lifestyle changes and challenges – find out what to expect after experiencing a stroke event.
You Know about F.A.S.T. Now Learn 5 Other Stroke Symptoms
Learn about stroke symptoms and remember that not every stroke survivor experiences the same signs and symptoms of a stroke.
Stroke Symptoms in Women
Stroke symptoms in women can be different than those found in men. For example, hiccups or numbness may be a possible stroke. Learn about the symptoms of stroke in women and help save a life.
What is a Ministroke and Can I Prevent One?
What is TIA or Ministroke? Learn about Transient Ischemic Attack, its symptoms, and how to prevent TIA with heart-healthy lifestyle choices.
Think FAST: How Well Do You Know the Warning Signs of a Stroke?
In the U.S. some kind of a stroke occurs every 40 seconds. Strokes are preventable and treatable. Find facts, tips and information on stroke prevention.
MANAGING RISK:
WHY PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS MAY NOT BE ENOUGH
If you take prescription medications for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, they may not be enough to protect your heart. Talk to your doctor about whether these medications are enough for you and whether adding an aspirin regimen can help further reduce the risk of another heart attack or clot-related (ischemic) stroke.
Aspirin is not appropriate for everyone, so be sure to talk to your doctor before you begin an aspirin regimen.
STROKE SURVIVORS HAVE A LOT TO LIVE FORWARD TO
PENNY S.
“It’s like you’re there, but it’s like you’re in an [out of] body experience.”
ANNA B.
“I didn’t think I was having a stroke. I knew everyone was acting really urgent. It was scary for me!”
TOM K.
“I had very good handwriting … and now it’s terrible, but that’s a small price to pay in this life and death situation.”
JOYCE A.
“I’m celebrating my 52nd birthday in two weeks, and … I’m thankful to be alive.”
TONI G.
“Education is key for me. I feel so good that I’m able to help people.”
Aspirin regimen products for recurrent stroke prevention
Aspirin is not appropriate for everyone, so be sure to talk to your doctor before you begin an aspirin regimen.
Bayer® Aspirin is available in a variety of doses and forms.
Learn more by clicking on a product below.
Use as directed.
1 This tool is intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, medical advice, or medical treatment. Contact your healthcare provider after using the tool to discuss your heart health or if you have any health concerns.
2 Estimated risk of a cardiovascular event, specifically, the risk of a heart attack (myocardial infarction or MI) or stroke in the next five years.