If you or someone with you has chest discomfort, especially with one or more of the other signs, don’t wait longer than a few minutes (no more than 5) before calling for help. Call 9-1-1 and get to a hospital right away.
Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
Sudden, severe headache with no known cause
If you or someone with you has one or more of these signs, don’t delay! Immediately call 9-1-1 or the emergency medical services (EMS) number so an ambulance (ideally with advanced life support) can be sent for you. Also, check the time so you’ll know when the first symptoms appeared. It’s very important to take immediate action. If given within three hours of the start of symptoms, a clot-busting drug can reduce long-term disability for the most common type of stroke.
Are you at risk? Take our quiz
You can reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke by becoming aware of risk factors.
Check all the boxes that apply to you.
Age and Sex. I am a man or woman over 50 years of age.
Family History. My father or brother had a heart attack before age 55, OR my mother or sister had one before age 65, OR my mother, father, sister, brother or grandparent had a stroke.
Blood Pressure. My blood pressure is 140/90 mm Hg or higher (high blood pressure), OR a healthcare professional has said my blood pressure is high, OR my blood pressure is 120/80 – 139/89 mm Hg (prehypertension), OR I don’t know what my blood pressure is.
Tobacco Smoke. I smoke, OR I live or work with people who smoke regularly.
Total Cholesterol. My total cholesterol is 200 mg/dL or higher, OR I don’t know my level.
HDL Cholesterol. My HDL (“good”) cholesterol is less than 40 mg/dL, OR I don’t know my HDL cholesterol level.
Physical Activity. I get less than a total of 30 minutes of physical activity on most days.
Overweight. I am 20 pounds or more overweight for my height and build.
Diabetes. I have diabetes (a fasting blood sugar reading of 126 mg/dL or higher), OR I need medicine to control my blood sugar, OR I have been told I have an impaired ability to control my blood sugar (a fasting blood sugar reading greater than 100 mg/dL).
Heart Disease Medical History. I have coronary heart disease, atrial fibrillation or other heart condition(s), OR I’ve had a heart attack.
Stroke Medical History. I’ve been told that I have carotid artery disease, OR I have a disease of the leg arteries, a high red blood cell count or sickle cell anemia.
Classic Symptoms:
