Though the NHS says the first sign ‘may not seem like much’, it is crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible

The NHS has issued a w:arning about the first signs of a ‘silent killer’ health condition that ‘may not seem like much’. Taking to X, the health service listed the four main red-flag symptoms of a stroke, which is often referred to as a ‘silent killer’ because it a lot of people with high blood pressure, which is a big risk factor for strokes, don’t show any clear symptoms until they actually have a stroke.

In addition, there are silent strokes that can damage the brain without any noticeable signs, which adds to its name. Urging people to ‘act FAST’ the NHS posted: “The first sign of a stroke might not seem like much, like not being able to raise your arm.”

It added: “Or struggling to smile. Or slurring when you speak. Any sign of a stroke is always an emergency. Face or arm or speech, at the first sign, it’s time to call 999.” Explaining in detail the four primary symptoms, it said: “Face, has your face fallen on one side? Can you smile? Arms, can you raise both arms and keep them there? Speech, is your speech slurred? Time, at the first sign, it’s time to call 999. Act FAST.”

A stroke happens when the blood flow to the brain is interrupted, which can be because of a blockage (known as an ischemic stroke) or a bleed (called a hemorrhagic stroke). This disruption cuts off oxygen and nutrients to brain cells, causing their d.eath, which can result in brain damage and disability.

There are two main causes of strokes:

+ Ischaemic – where the blood supply is stopped due to a blood clot (this accounts for 85% of all cases).
+ Haemorrhagic – where a weakened blood vessel supplying the brain bursts.

A related condition is a transient ischaemic attack (TIA), commonly called a “mini-stroke.” A TIA happens when blood flow to the brain is temporarily blocked, leading to symptoms similar to a stroke, but it doesn’t cause lasting brain damage.

A stroke is a critical, potentially f.atal medical issue. Strokes are considered a medical emergency, and prompt treatment is crucial.

The quicker someone gets treatment for a stroke, the less likely it is that brain damage will happen. Even if the signs of a stroke disappear, you or the person experiencing a stroke should still visit a hospital for evaluation.

Main stroke symptoms can happen suddenly and include:

– face weakness – one side of your face may droop (fall) and it might be hard to smile.
– arm weakness – you may not be able to fully lift both arms and keep them there because of weakness or numbness in one arm.
speech problems – you may slur your words or sound confused.

The NHS adds: “Easiest way to remember these symptoms is the word FAST. This stands for: face, arms, speech and time to call 999.”

Other symptoms of a stroke:

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