Spiral SearchHow to Spot a Heart Attack, a Stroke (F.A.S.T.) and Cardiac Arrest
Warning signs of three different emergencies and what to do right now.
All three need a 911 call immediately. Do not drive yourself or the person to the hospital; paramedics can start treatment on the way.
General information, not medical advice. Reading a guide is not a substitute for a hands-on first aid or CPR class (American Red Cross, American Heart Association, and local fire-rescue departments offer them). If someone may be in danger, call 911 and follow the dispatcher.
Stroke: B.E. F.A.S.T.
A stroke is a sudden loss of blood flow to part of the brain. The CDC teaches B.E. F.A.S.T.:
- B – Balance: sudden loss of balance, dizziness, trouble walking.
- E – Eyes: sudden vision changes in one or both eyes.
- F – Face: one side of the face droops when they smile.
- A – Arms: one arm drifts down when both are raised.
- S – Speech: slurred, strange or confused speech.
- T – Time: call 911 immediately and note the exact time symptoms began.
Other warning signs include sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg, confusion, and a severe headache. Treatment works best when started within hours of onset, so the time you first saw symptoms is important information to give responders.
Heart attack
A heart attack happens when blood flow to the heart is blocked.
- Chest pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain that lasts more than a few minutes or comes and goes.
- Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach.
- Shortness of breath, cold sweat, nausea, lightheadedness.
- Women, older adults and people with diabetes may have less typical signs: unusual fatigue, nausea, back or jaw pain, with little or no chest pain.
What to do:
- Call 911.
- Have the person sit or lie in a comfortable position, and keep them calm.
- Unlock the door, and if an AED is nearby, send someone to get it.
- Follow the dispatcher's advice about medication, including aspirin. Do not give aspirin unless the dispatcher says so or the person has been told by a doctor to do so, and never if they are allergic.
- If the person becomes unresponsive and is not breathing normally, start CPR.
Cardiac arrest
In cardiac arrest the heart stops pumping effectively. It is different from a heart attack: the person collapses and is unresponsive, not breathing or only gasping.
- Call 911 (or send someone) and ask for an AED.
- Start chest compressions immediately. See how and when to do CPR.
- Use the AED as soon as it arrives and follow its voice prompts.
- Keep going until the person responds or paramedics take over.
Quick comparison
| Heart attack | Stroke | Cardiac arrest | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What is wrong | Blocked blood flow to heart | Blocked or burst vessel in brain | Heart stops pumping |
| Person is | Usually awake | Usually awake | Unresponsive, not breathing normally |
| Key signs | Chest pressure, sweat, shortness of breath | Face droop, arm weakness, slurred speech | Collapse, no normal breathing |
| Do now | Call 911, rest, prepare for CPR | Call 911, note time | Call 911, CPR, AED |