Watch for These 10 Signs Linked to Stroke Risk and Early Mor:tality

If you notice any of these signs, call emergency services immediately:

Face Drooping: Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile; is the smile uneven?
Arm Weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask them to raise both arms; does one arm drift downward?
Speech Difficulty: Is speech slurred, or are they unable to speak or understand? Ask them to repeat a simple sentence.
Time to Call: If you observe any of these signs, call for emergency help immediately and note the time symptoms first appeared.

Strokes can also manifest through sudden neurological changes, including:

Vision Trouble: Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes, blurred vision, or double vision.
Severe Headache: A sudden, severe headache with no known cause.
Balance & Coordination Issues: Sudden dizziness, loss of balance, trouble walking, or vertigo.
Confusion: Sudden confusion or trouble understanding speech.

Many strokes are linked to modifiable risk factors that you can manage to reduce your risk of early mortality:

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): This is the leading contributor to stroke, increasing risk nearly three times.
Tobacco Use: Associated with approximately two-fifths of all stroke deaths in people under 65.
Other Medical Conditions: High LDL cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, and kidney dysfunction significantly raise your risk.
Lifestyle Factors: Physical inactivity, a diet high in sodium, and harmful use of alcohol all contribute to stroke burden.

If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, do not wait to see if they go away—seek emergency medical evaluation immediately.