Published on November 22, 2021

Can You Spot the Warning Signs of a Stroke?

Can You Spot the Warning Signs of a Stroke? Can you tell the difference between a stroke and a heart attack? May is National Stroke Awareness Month and Silver Cross Hospital is spotlighting the warnings signs of heart attack, stroke and cardiac arrest as described by the American Heart Association.

Signs of StrokeStroke Symptoms
  • Face drooping – Does one side of the face droop or is it numb?
  • Arm weakness – Is one arm weak or numb?
  • Speech difficulty – Speech may be slurred or the person may be unable to speak at all.
Heart Attack Symptoms
  • Chest discomfort – Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest lasting more than a few minutes. It can feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
  • Discomfort in other areas of the upper body – Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
  • Shortness of breath
  • Other signs such as breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness.
Cardiac Arrest Symptoms
  • Sudden loss of responsiveness – No response to tapping on shoulders.
  • No normal breathing – The person does not take a normal breath when you tilt the head up and check for at least five seconds.

Should you experience any of these symptoms yourself or in another person, call 9-1-1 and get to a hospital immediately. 

Physicians on Silver Cross Hospital’s Medical Staff have expertise in their areas of practice to meet the needs of patients seeking their care. These physicians are independent practitioners on the Medical Staff and are not the agents or employees of Silver Cross Hospital. They treat patients based upon their independent medical judgment and they bill patients separately for their services.