1. How to Recognize the Signs of Heart Attack and Stroke

2. Every year, more than 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke. About 610,000 of these are first or new strokes. About 185,000 strokes—nearly 1 of 4—are in people who have had a previous stroke. About 87% of all strokes are ischemic strokes, in which blood flow to the brain is blocked.
In one survey, most respondents—93%—recognized sudden numbness on one side as a symptom of stroke. Only 38% were aware of all major symptoms and knew to call when someone was having a stroke.
Patients who arrive at the emergency room within 3 hours of their first symptoms often have less disability 3 months after a stroke than those who received delayed care.
Stroke risk increases with age, but strokes can—and do—occur at any age. 34% of people hospitalized for stroke were less than 65 years old.

3. Every year, about 790,000 Americans have a heart attack. 
580,000 are a first heart attack.
210,000 happen to people who have already had a first heart attack
One of 5 heart attacks is silent—the damage is done, but the person is not aware of it.
A heart attack, also called a myocardial infarction, occurs when a part of the heart muscle doesn’t receive enough blood flow. The more time that passes without treatment to restore blood flow, the greater the damage to the heart muscle. 
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, killing more than 600,000 people each year.

4. Trouble with speaking and understanding. You may experience confusion
Trouble with speaking and understanding. You may experience confusion. You may slur your words or have difficulty understanding speech.
Paralysis or numbness of the face, arm or leg. You may develop sudden numbness, weakness or paralysis in your face, arm or leg. This often happens just on one side of your body. Try to raise both your arms over your head at the same time. If one arm begins to fall, you may be having a stroke. Also, one side of your mouth may droop when you try to smile.
Trouble with seeing in one or both eyes. You may suddenly have blurred or blackened vision in one or both eyes, or you may see double.
Headache. A sudden, severe headache, which may be accompanied by vomiting, dizziness or altered consciousness, may indicate you're having a stroke.
Trouble with walking. You may stumble or experience sudden dizziness, loss of balance or loss of coordination.
Symptoms of a Stroke

5. What Can You Do If You Notice Any of These Signs of a Stroke?

6. F A S T
FACE: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
ARMS: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
SPEECH: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?
TIME: If you observe any of these signs, call immediately.

7. S Y M P T O HEART ATTACK Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or back.
Feeling weak, light-headed, or faint.
Chest pain or discomfort.
Pain or discomfort in arms or shoulder.
Shortness of breath.
Dizziness
HEART
ATTACK

8. What Can You Do If You Notice Any of These Signs of a Heart Attack?

9. If it is you alone…
Chew and swallow an aspirin, unless you are allergic to aspirin or have been told by your doctor never to take aspirin.
Take nitroglycerin, if prescribed. If you think you're having a heart attack and your doctor has previously prescribed nitroglycerin for you, take it as directed. Don't take anyone else's nitroglycerin, because that could put you in more danger.
Call 911.

10. If it is someone near you…
Call right away. 
Chew and swallow aspirin. If able, have the person chew and swallow aspirin while waiting for the paramedics, unless they are allergic or have another medical condition that makes taking aspirin dangerous. Most doctors recommend one 325 mg aspirin tablet for maximum effect. Aspirin can help lower the heart’s workload and make blood flow better. If you are prescribed nitroglycerin, take one and chew and swallow it.
Have the person sit down, rest, and keep calm. Less strain on the heart will allow them to recover faster.
Begin CPR. If the person is unconscious or unresponsive, you may be told by the dispatcher to begin CPR. If you do not know how to give CPR, the dispatcher should be able to give you the correct steps to follow until help arrives.

11. Dedicate yourself to Prevention
Sensible Diet
Moderate Exercise
Regular Checkups