Tests for heart and circulatory conditions
Tests are used to diagnose a heart condition or to see how healthy your heart is. Find out what to expect from some of the most common tests.
On this page, our trusted specialists give evidence-based information and answer common questions people have about strokes, including:
While there are different types of stroke and different ways strokes can happen, all types of strokes can disrupt the blood flow to your brain. If the blood flow to the brain is interrupted, brain cells can get damaged because they are not getting the oxygen and nutrients they need.
A stroke can affect you in different ways, depending on which part of the brain has had the disrupted blood supply. This can affect your speech, as well as the way you think and move.
Act F.A.S.T to recognise the signs:
It’s called F.A.S.T because timing is important if you're having a stroke. You could lose millions of nerve cells for every minute without treatment. The longer you wait, the less chance of speech, movement and abilities coming back to what they were. Acting F.A.S.T really is lifesaving.
It's essential to dial 999 if you have symptoms that could be a stroke.
Do not delay because you think hospitals are too busy – the NHS still has systems in place to treat people who need urgent stroke treatment. If you delay, you're more likely to suffer serious damage, need intensive care and spend longer in hospital.
Factors that increase your risk (chance) of having a stroke include:
For more information on risk factors and cause of stroke, visit the NHS webpage on strokes.
There are many things you can do to help lower your chances of a stroke:
Keep atrial fibrillation under control (if you have the condition).
We know that many of you are experiencing delays to treatment at this time or have questions and concerns about getting medical help. We've created this set of information to help you with these issues.
If you or someone else is showing signs of stroke, do not wait for an appointment and call 999 immediately.
Once you get to hospital, you’ll be taken for tests. If you’ve had a stroke, depending on how serious it is and the type of stroke, you may be given medication or surgery.
The amount of time you stay in hospital depends on the type and how serious your stroke is, your treatment, your general health and how quickly you recover.
When you’re ready to leave hospital, your stroke team will work with you and your family to arrange the support you need to continue recovering at home. Let them know if you want them to repeat anything – it can be hard sometimes to take everything in.
It’s normal to feel anxious, angry and upset after having a stroke. It’s important to talk about your feelings with your partner, a friend, relative or healthcare professional.
Annette Dancer suffered a life-changing stroke at the age of 61. Hear her story and other real experiences from people living with heart and circulatory disease.
A stroke affects people in different ways. Some people may see the most improvement in the first few weeks while they're still in hospital. For others it can take months or sometimes years.
Your rehabilitation will begin in hospital where specialists, such as nurses, physiotherapists and occupational therapists will discuss a plan with you. The aim of rehabilitation is to help return you as close as possible to how you were before the stroke. They can help you to:
If you’ve had a stroke, you may be at risk of developing vascular dementia. This happens when a stroke damages part of your brain, leading to symptoms such as concentration problems and personality changes. If you have any concerns, you should speak to your GP.
Stroke is sudden and can be lifechanging for the person who’s had the stroke and their loved ones, but many people continue to improve and there is help and support available.
Pauline had a stroke when she was 47, which affected her ability to walk, her balance, and the use of her right arm.
"I just want to advise people who have had a stroke that they should not give up – after stroke there is life.”
This short illustrated leaflet explains the symptoms, causes and types of stroke. It tells you what you might expect from your recovery and explains how stroke and coronary heart disease are linked.It's suitable for you if you've had a stroke or have been told you are at risk of having one.
Get this publicationOrder our stroke quick guide.
Chat online, email or call our expert cardiac nurses on our Heart Helpline.
Contact the Stroke Association on 0303 3033 100.
Speak to others who have had a stroke in our HealthUnlocked online community.
Chat with your GP about getting talking therapy, or, if you’re in England, you can refer yourself for therapy through Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT).
Visit the NHS Choices Stroke website.
Sign up to our Heart Matters magazine and email newsletter packed with health and recovery tips.
You may be looking after someone because they’ve had a stroke. The support they’ll need depends on the impact of the stroke and their recovery. If you're a carer, it’s just as important to look after your own health and wellbeing. You might need practical or emotional support too.