Stroke is preventable and treatable. Every 45 seconds, someone in the United States experiences a stroke. Stroke is the third leading cause of death and the leading cause of adult disability in this country. Stroke is one of the most preventable of all life-threatening health problems, provided that you pay proper attention to lifestyle and medical risk factors, such as smoking, high blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes. 

What is a stroke?

A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that brings oxygen and nutrients to the brain becomes clogged or bursts, stopping the blood supply to a portion of the brain.

When blood can't reach an area of the brain, abilities and functions controlled by that part of the brain might be impaired or lost. If not treated immediately, a stroke can lead to brain damage and disability.

Unlike a heart attack, symptoms of a stroke may not be painful. And often, the warning signs are easy to explain away. But symptoms of a stroke (or "brain attack") should be taken just as seriously.

Do you know the signs of a stroke?

It is important for people to be able to recognize the symptoms of stroke and seek emergency medical attention. Recognizing stroke symptoms can be easy if you learn to Act F.A.S.T.

F - FACE
Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?

A - ARM
Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

S - SPEECH
Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Does the speech sound slurred or strange?

T - TIME
If you observe any of these signs, call 911.

About Stroke Care

Our stroke program offers a team of professionals who provide expert care throughout treatment, recovery and rehabilitation. After a stroke, our goal is to help each patient return to the highest quality of life, as quickly as possible.

Thanks to new treatments and technology, stroke survivors have a better chance at recovery than ever before.

Primary Stroke Center certification

Three HealthEast hospitals hold a Gold Seal of Approval for stroke care by The Joint Commission. As Certified Stroke Centers, we treat hundreds of stroke patients each year.

To earn the certification, we demonstrated how our program follows national standards and guidelines that can greatly improve outcomes for stroke patients.

Primary Stroke Center Certification was awarded to:

• St. John's Hospital
• St. Joseph's Hospital
• Woodwinds Health Campus

HealthEast is proud to be the first multi-site health care system in Minnesota to receive this distinction.

Telestroke Network

Outstate patients now benefit from the HealthEast Telestroke Network which strives to provide real-time, state-of-the-art medical care to patients suffering acute strokes. Led by vascular neurologist Sandra Hanson, MD, this telestroke partnership is one of the first of its kind in Minnesota.