Cardiology | Mount Sinai Today

Can Wearables Really Monitor Your Heart Health? A Mount Sinai Cardiologist Explains

Updated on May 14, 2026 | Cardiology, Featured, Your Health

A female doctor and her male patient discuss data from the patient's smart watch, shown on his wrist. Data from his watch is displayed on his smart phone, which he is holding in his other hand

You have probably heard that wearable technologies like smartwatches can help you monitor your heart health. But do they really work, and how do you decide which is right for you?

In this Q&A, Matthew I. Tomey, MD, Associate Professor, Medicine (Cardiology), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, says they can be useful, with a few things to keep in mind. He discusses what features to look for and why it’s important to talk to your cardiologist before you decide on a device.

Matthew I. Tomey, MD

What can a smartwatch or fitness tracker tell me about my heart?

Wearables like smartwatches and fitness trackers can measure several things related to your heart and overall health:

Heart rate. Most devices use a technology called photoplethysmography (PPG), a light sensor on the back of the watch that shines into your skin and measures blood flow to estimate your pulse. In controlled settings, wrist-worn devices have been shown to measure heart rate with roughly ±3 percent error compared to standard medical equipment, though accuracy decreases during physical activity.
Heart rhythm. Some devices can alert you to an irregular heartbeat that may suggest atrial fibrillation (AFib), a common heart rhythm disorder that increases the risk of stroke. Devices do this either by analyzing your pulse pattern in the background or by recording a single-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) when you place your finger on the watch.
Physical activity. Built-in motion sensors track steps, distance, and calories burned. Research shows that using a wearable activity tracker can help people with heart disease increase their daily walking by roughly 2,000 steps per day compared to not using one.
Sleep. Many devices estimate sleep duration and quality, which is relevant because poor sleep is linked to higher cardiovascular risk.
Blood oxygen level. Some devices estimate blood oxygen saturation, though the accuracy of this feature in consumer devices is still being studied.

These devices are not replacements for medical equipment, but they can provide useful day-to-day information about your health trends.

Are there any risks or limits to using a wearable to check my heart?

Yes. There are several important limitations and concerns to be aware of:

Accuracy varies. Not all devices perform equally. Accuracy depends on the brand, model, type of sensor, and what is being measured. For example, in a head-to-head study of five popular smartwatches, the sensitivity of automated algorithms for detecting AFib ranged from only 58 to 85 percent, and the devices could not determine the heart rhythm in 17 to 26 percent of recordings. When a doctor reviewed those same recordings, the rhythm could be identified 99 percent of the time. This highlights that these devices are screening tools, not diagnostic instruments.
Skin and fit matter. Accuracy can be affected by darker skin tones, tattoos, cold body temperature, obesity, poor skin contact, and how tightly the device is worn. Movement, especially during exercise, is a major source of error.
False alarms. The device may flag something as abnormal when nothing is actually wrong (a “false positive”). This can cause unnecessary worry and lead to additional medical visits and testing that may not have been needed. On the other hand, a normal reading does not guarantee that nothing is wrong.
They are not the same as medical devices. While some consumer wearables have received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for specific features, such as ECG recording or irregular rhythm notification, this clearance is for screening purposes only. An irregular rhythm alert from a wearable does not diagnose AFib. A doctor must review the data and confirm any diagnosis. Many other health features on these devices (such as blood oxygen or sleep tracking) have not been FDA-cleared at all.
Data overload. These devices generate large volumes of data continuously. Without a clear plan for how to use the information, it can become overwhelming rather than helpful, for both patients and doctors.
Privacy. Wearable devices collect sensitive health information. Privacy protections vary significantly across manufacturers, and health data from consumer devices are generally not protected by the same laws (such as HIPAA) that protect your medical records. It is worth reviewing a device’s privacy policy before purchasing.

How can I use a wearable to track my heart and build healthier habits?

Wearables are most useful when paired with clear goals and a plan. Before purchasing a device, consider:

What do I want to learn? For example, do I want to track how active I am, monitor my heart rhythm, or keep an eye on my resting heart rate over time?
What will I do with the information? Data alone does not improve health; acting on it does. For instance, setting a daily step goal and using the device to track progress has been shown in clinical studies to help people become more physically active.
Am I prepared to discuss the data with my doctor? If the goal is to manage a health condition, the device is most valuable when its data are shared with and interpreted by a health care provider.
Wearables can also support exercise safety. For people with heart disease, a doctor can help set a target heart rate range for exercise, and a wearable can help monitor whether activity stays within that safe zone.

What should I tell my doctor if I am using a wearable to check my health?

Start by letting your doctor know that you are using a device and what you hope to learn from it. Setting expectations early can prevent frustration on both sides. Key points to discuss:

What role will the device play in your care? Clarify what your doctor is willing and able to review. Doctors may not be able to monitor continuous data streams on an ongoing basis, and there are currently no standardized systems for integrating consumer wearable data into most electronic health records.
What should prompt a call or visit? Ask your doctor which alerts or readings should lead you to seek medical attention and which can be noted for your next scheduled visit.
Share data selectively. Rather than presenting weeks of raw data, focus on trends or specific events (such as an irregular rhythm alert or a sustained change in resting heart rate) that are most relevant to your health questions.

Ideally, discuss the idea of using a wearable before purchasing one, so your doctor can recommend features that align with your health goals.

What features should I look for to track my heart and health correctly?

The best features depend on why you are getting the device:

For heart rhythm monitoring: Choose a device with ECG capability, not just pulse-based (PPG) monitoring. Devices with ECG functionality are superior for determining heart rhythm. Several smartwatches from major manufacturers have received FDA clearance for ECG recording and irregular rhythm detection. However, even ECG-equipped devices require you to actively initiate a recording; they do not continuously record your heart’s electrical activity.
For general fitness and activity tracking: Most major-brand devices are reasonably accurate for step counting and heart rate at rest. If you plan to monitor heart rate during vigorous exercise, a chest strap is more accurate than a wrist-worn device.
Look for FDA clearance for the specific feature you care about. A device may be FDA-cleared for one function (such as ECG) but not for others (such as blood oxygen). Check the manufacturer’s website for details.
Consider comfort and battery life. A device only works if you wear it consistently. Choose something comfortable enough for daily and overnight use.

How can I know if a device has been validated by research?

Look for studies published in peer-reviewed medical journals that have tested the device against standard medical equipment (such as a 12-lead ECG or hospital-grade heart monitor). A few things to keep in mind:

Manufacturer claims are not the same as independent validation. When independent researchers have tested popular wearables head-to-head, the accuracy has sometimes been lower than what manufacturers report.
Watch for excluded data. Some studies exclude recordings that the device labeled as “inconclusive” or “unreadable.” When those are included in the analysis, accuracy drops significantly. In real-world use, you will encounter inconclusive readings.
Study populations matter. Most large wearable studies have been conducted in people in their 40s and 50s. Performance may differ in older adults or people with other medical conditions.

Your doctor or a medical librarian can help you find relevant research on a specific device.

What else should I know about wearables for my heart?

Wearable technology for heart health is a rapidly evolving field. A few additional points:

Wearables may help manage chronic conditions. Beyond rhythm monitoring, there is growing research into using wearables to help manage conditions like heart failure, for example, by tracking activity levels, weight trends, and other signals that may indicate worsening symptoms before a hospitalization occurs. However, this area is still in its early stages, and most consumer devices are not yet designed for this purpose.
Artificial intelligence is expanding what devices can do. Newer algorithms are being developed to detect a wider range of heart conditions and to reduce the number of inconclusive or unreadable recordings. These advances are promising but still require further validation.
Equity matters. Not everyone has equal access to these technologies, and accuracy can vary across different skin tones and body types. Efforts are underway to improve device performance across diverse populations, but gaps remain.
The doctor-patient relationship is central. Wearables generate data, but clinical judgment is needed to interpret that data and make decisions. The most effective use of these devices will come from a partnership between patients and their health care teams.

Both doctors and patients should stay informed as this technology continues to develop. The ways wearable devices are used in medical care will continue to evolve, and staying engaged with your health care provider is the best way to make the most of these tools.

Take charge of your heart health—schedule an appointment with a Mount Sinai cardiologist

Mount Sinai Cardio-Oncology Program Receives Highest Designation for Excellence

Updated on Jan 8, 2026 | Cancer, Cardiology, Featured, Heart Health

Gagan Sahni, MD, right, Director of Mount Sinai’s Cardio-Oncology Program, with Chime Lhamu, NP

The Cardio-Oncology Program at The Mount Sinai Hospital, under the directorship of Gagan Sahni, MD, has once again been awarded Gold Center of Excellence status. This renewed designation extends through 2028, marking another three years of internationally recognized excellence.

This is the highest designation of certification from the International Cardio-Oncology Society (IC-OS), the largest international platform for physicians and nurse practitioners dedicated to cardiovascular care of cancer patients.

In 2022, Mount Sinai became the first institution in New York State to be awarded Gold status as a Cardio-Oncology Center of Excellence by IC-OS. Some 53 cardio-oncology programs nationwide and 27 worldwide have been awarded this recognition acknowledging exceptional cardiovascular care of oncology patients. This international honor by IC-OS is awarded at three levels—bronze, silver, and gold. To receive a Gold certification, the institution must fulfill stringent requirements across six scoring categories, including patient volume, research and publications, interdisciplinary care, education, committee involvement, and program building. It is valid for three years and signifies the program has demonstrated outstanding professional contributions to Cardio-Oncology.

“Many cancer treatments—which includes chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy—can adversely affect the heart, and it is imperative that the appropriate patients are referred to a specialist in the field of Cardio-Oncology in a timely way,” explains Dr. Sahni, Associate Professor of Medicine (Cardiology), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

“My specialty focuses on early prevention, detection, treatment, and management of the potential cardiac effects of cancer treatments, so that the patients are able to safely continue their therapies. These cardiac adverse effects may include a myriad of conditions such as congestive heart failure, hypertension, arrhythmias, blood clots, angina, and pericardial effusion—a buildup of fluid around the heart. All of these conditions should be addressed promptly by a specialist who is familiar with the effects of cancer therapies and coordinates tailor-made cardiology care with the patient’s oncologist.”

The Cardio-Oncology clinic at Mount Sinai was established in 2013 by Dr. Sahni, who is a Fellow of the International Cardio-Oncology Society, one of fewer than 20 physicians in the world awarded this distinction for her contributions to the field. The program provides personalized cardio-oncology consultations to more than 2,500 cancer patients annually from The Tisch Cancer Center and across the Mount Sinai network with inpatient, outpatient, and telemedicine consultations. This includes nearly a decade of close multidisciplinary collaborations with oncologists, radiation oncologists, onco-surgeons, onco-generalists, onco-nephrologists, onco-neurologists, onco-endocrinologists, and nurse practitioners.

“This designation of Gold Center of Excellence recognizes the dedication of the Cardio-Oncology team at The Mount Sinai Hospital in advancing specialized heart care for our cancer patients at a nation-leading level, and we are proud to be able to provide state-of-the-art specialty care to them,” says Dr. Sahni.

Physicians can make Cardio-Oncology appointments for their patients by calling 212-241-4977.

Learn more about the Cardio-Oncology Program at The Mount Sinai Hospital

What Does My Heart Rate Say About My Health?

Updated on Feb 21, 2025 | Cardiology, Your Health

Mary Ann McLaughlin, MD

Your heart rate is the number of times your heart beats per minute. You may pay little to no attention to your heart rate, but it can give you vital insight into your health—and may even save your life.

In this Q&A, Mary Ann McLaughlin, MD, MPH, FACC, Medical Director of Cardiovascular Health and Wellness, Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital, and Associate Professor of Medicine, Population Health Science and Policy at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, discusses the importance of heart rate, as well as how to monitor it.

What is a normal heart rate range?
The normal heart rate for an adult is between 60 and 100 beats per minute. The average is 72 beats per minute.

How can I measure my heart rate?
The easiest way to detect your heart rate (without a device) is to feel your pulse in your wrist or neck for 60 seconds. For a more accurate heart rate, you can purchase a device, such as a wearable fitness tracker (e.g., smart watch), which can monitor your heart rate during sleep (resting heart rate) and exercise.

What affects my heart rate?
Heart rate increases to deliver more oxygen to your muscles. With any physical activity, your heart rate will go up. In addition, anxiety or emotional stress can cause an increase in adrenaline leading to high heart rates, often called the “fight or flight” response.

Can I improve my heart rate, and how?
You can improve your resting heart rate with regular exercise, adequate sleep, a healthy diet, and avoiding too much caffeine.

When is it time to see a doctor?
If you notice a very strong thumping sensation in your chest, feel dizzy or light-headed or faint, you need to talk to a doctor. If you are sitting or relaxing, and your heart rate is more than 100 beats per minute, you should talk to your doctor. If you have a family member who is diagnosed with an arrhythmia or irregular heart rate, you should notify your doctor. One particular arrhythmia, which can run in families, is called atrial fibrillation, and it can lead to stroke.

What is atrial fibrillation, and how is it related to heart rate?
Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heart rhythm. Symptoms are palpitations or thumping in the chest. If a family member has a history of atrial fibrillation, your risk for it is higher, which is why you should speak to a doctor.

My heart rate is below 60 beats per minute. Is that bad?
Having a low heart rate is generally a good thing, and is common among athletes. In most cases, it means the heart and cardiovascular system are working efficiently. However, in rare cases, a low resting heart rate can be a sign that something is wrong, especially if it is unusual for you. If you feel dizzy, fatigued, out of breath, or feel pain in your chest, you should see a doctor.

Schedule an appointment with a primary care doctor.

How Does Caffeine Affect My Heart?

Feb 3, 2025 | Cardiology, Your Health

Mary Ann McLaughlin, MD

Caffeine is a naturally occurring stimulant found in many products, including soda, coffee, tea, energy drinks, chocolate, and even some ice creams. While caffeine is safe to consume in moderation, excessive caffeine can be harmful, especially to your heart.

In this Q&A, Mary Ann McLaughlin, MD, MPH, FACC, Medical Director of Cardiovascular Health and Wellness, Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital, and Associate Professor of Medicine, Population Health Science and Policy at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, discusses the effects of caffeine on heart health and how much is safe to have.

How does caffeine affect my heart and blood pressure?
Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant that makes your arteries squeeze more robustly, increasing blood pressure and heart rate.

What are the main health risks of caffeine?
When caffeine speeds up your heart rate, it increases your risk for developing an abnormal heart rate, known as arrhythmia, which in severe cases can lead to stroke. Additionally, too much caffeine increases nervousness, anxiety, and insomnia—and in rarer cases it can cause hallucinations, confusion, and some memory issues. It also speeds digestion, potentially causing gastrointestinal problems, including heartburn and loose stools. Caffeine is also addictive.

What are the health benefits of caffeine?
In addition to reducing drowsiness and making you more alert, caffeine can be useful for treating migraines and other headaches. There is also evidence that it can improve aerobic capacity. Many athletes take some amount of caffeine to improve performance.

How much caffeine is safe to have?
According to the CDC, 400 milligrams a day is considered safe for most adults. One eight ounce cup of coffee contains around 95 mg of caffeine, but can have anywhere from 25 to 500 mg, depending on how the coffee is processed, what beans are used in the coffee, etc. Generally, more than four cups of coffee a day could be harmful. Energy drinks can contain excessive amounts of caffeine and should be consumed in moderation, if at all.

Drinking coffee and other caffeinated drinks can become a habit. I recommend treating caffeine as a medication and paying attention to your intake. Low amounts are safe, but as you increase caffeine, your risk for developing heart problems and other health issues becomes more likely.

Schedule an appointment with a primary care doctor.

How Can I Develop a Healthy Eating Pattern?

Updated on Feb 26, 2024 | Cardiology, Diet and Nutrition, Your Health

Hypertension, cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity—these are all drivers for heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. Treating each individually often means seeing multiple specialists. But one thing is clear: If you reduce excess body fat with a healthy lifestyle, your cholesterol, blood pressure, and risk for diabetes or prediabetes will likely drop, and so will your risk for heart disease.

Jeffrey I. Mechanick, MD

In this Q&A, Jeffrey I. Mechanick, MD, Professor of Medicine and Medical Director of the Marie-Josee and Henry R. Kravis Center for Cardiovascular Health at Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital, explains how adopting a healthy eating pattern, rather than restrictive or fad dieting, can reduce your risk for heart disease and other chronic illnesses.

How do I know if I am at risk for heart disease?

Your body mass index (BMI) should be 18.5 to 24.9 (for Asian Americans, a healthy BMI is 18.5 to 22.9). Keep in mind that for some people, such as those who are more muscular or have a lot of swelling, BMI may not be accurate. Your goal should not be to lose weight but to be healthy and enjoy your life. Instead of going on a diet or eliminating certain foods or food groups, focus on developing a healthy eating pattern.

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What is a healthy eating pattern?

First, do not think about a single food as being good or bad. Rather, consider how the pattern of foods you eat over the course of 24 hours—the total aggregate of the foods and the nutrients that are in them—are affecting your risk for heart disease. A healthy eating pattern is one that reduces your risk.

How do I develop a healthy eating pattern?

Here is what I often tell my patients:

An ideal plate is a healthy food plate, the majority of which should consist of hi-fiber plants.
If you include meat, make sure it is lean meat.
Keep in mind that quantity (portion size) is not as important as the quality of the food (whole, high-fiber foods).
Try to get in at least five to seven servings of fresh fruits and vegetables (one serving fits in the palm of your hand), as well as beans, lentils, nuts, and whole grains, every day.
Include a good quality protein—such as poultry, fish, or vegetable protein such as beans and lentils—with every meal.
Avoid processed foods, and eat treats only on occasion.
Instead of baked goods, have whole grain breads or even Ezekiel breads, which are made out of sprouts and lentils (this will help you transition your eating pattern to those healthier whole grains).
Limit alcohol as much as you can—no amount is considered healthy.
Do not skip meals.

If you’re having trouble, seek out a professional, such your primary care physician, heart specialist, or registered dietitian, who can help structure an eating pattern for you to achieve a healthy weight.

Learn how to meal plan for heart health and weight management.

What should I look for in food labels?

Look for foods that are high in fiber but lower in calories, fat, sodium, and simple sugars. Be aware that these numbers are often listed on Nutrition Facts labels as “per serving” and not per the total amount in the food product.

Dietary fiber: The more fiber, the better. Both soluble and insoluble fiber are good for gut health and decrease your risk for chronic diseases, such as heart disease and cancer. Fiber also decreases appetite and helps you feel full, so you are not as tempted to snack on high-calorie foods.

Sodium: The official recommendations are to have only about two grams of sodium a day—roughly one teaspoon of table salt per day. If you are already at risk for heart disease, you may need to limit sodium even more.

Saturated fat, trans fats, and simple sugars: While the data on how much saturated fat is safe is unclear, you should stick to foods that have little to no saturated fat. Avoid trans fats and simple sugars—again, you can find the amount on the Nutrition Facts labels of packaged foods or just by looking up information online.

What should I look for in restaurant menus?

Here’s a trick I give my patients: Don’t ask for the menu. Research the restaurant online at a time when you’re not hungry (such as after a meal at home) and decide what you will eat before you go, or ask the server about specific items they might have—the fish of the day, lean proteins that are cooked without sauces, salads and raw or steamed vegetables, plant-based entrees and side dishes, and even berries for dessert. This way, you won’t be tempted by the less healthy options on the menu or enticing specials.

Will dietary supplements reduce my risk for heart disease?

There is really no need to take dietary supplements unless there is a medical reason. If you are following a healthy eating pattern, you will reduce your risk for deficiencies. If you have any question or doubt, definitely discuss it with your physician.

What else will help me reduce my risk for heart disease?

Get sufficient amounts of physical activity, including a mix of aerobic exercise and strength training, especially progressive resistance training. Sleep a minimum of seven hours a night. Do not smoke or do drugs, and reduce stress as much as possible. If you are overly worried or struggle with addiction, don’t delay—seek help from a mental health professional or counselor.

Learn how to create a weight loss program that works for you.

Learn more about Your Health.

“Like Turning Off a Light Switch”: Signs and Symptoms of Stroke

Updated on May 22, 2024 | Cardiology, Neurology, Vascular Health, Your Health

Slurred speech, an impaired gait, paralysis on one side of the face, arm, and/or leg—these are all signs of a stroke, especially if they appear suddenly. If you believe you or someone else is experiencing a stroke, call 911 immediately. Strokes are an emergency, and waiting can result in serious brain injury and even death.

Carolyn Brockington, MD

In this Q&A, Carolyn Brockington, MD, Director of the Stroke Center at Mount Sinai West and Mount Sinai Morningside, and Assistant Professor of Neurology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, discusses the signs and symptoms of a stroke, the difference between a stroke and a mini stroke, and why you must act fast.

What is a stroke?

Simply put, stroke is an injury to the brain caused by a reduction of blood flow—for example, a blood vessel is blocked by a blood clot. Strokes are an emergency because there is a restricted time period—just a few hours—for people to come in for treatment, where doctors can try to administer certain therapies to improve blood flow in order for the affected part of the brain not to be injured.

What are the signs and symptoms?

The signs and symptoms from stroke have to do with how the brain is organized. Primarily, the left side of the brain controls the right side of the body, and the right side controls the left. Let’s say somebody is not getting enough blood flow on the left side of the brain, depending on the part of the brain affected, they might develop right-sided weakness or right-sided numbness, or difficulty speaking, or difficulty understanding speech, etc. If someone has a stroke on the left side of the brain in the back, they may have vision problems but they’ll be able to walk around and speak. If they have a stroke towards the front of the brain, they might have more of a language problem but no vision disturbance. While it’s very hard to tell people exactly what type of symptoms they would have, the appropriate thing is to understand that the symptoms are sudden, like turning off a light switch. Pay attention to balance, eyesight, face asymmetry, arm or leg movement, speech or language.

Who is most at risk?

Everyone is at risk for stroke. Most people think you only have to worry about stroke when you are old. The truth is that the incidence of stroke increases as we get older, because some of the risk factors or the medical conditions that we know that increase stroke increase over time—high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes, heart disease, elevated cholesterol, etc. However, the most important thing to understand is that anybody can have a stroke at any age. The fact that stroke risks increase with age doesn’t mean it can only happen when you get older. There are different reasons people might have a stroke at different ages.

If I think I or someone else is having a stroke, what should I do?

If you or someone else is having a stroke, time is ticking, so call 911. As doctors, we say “time is brain,” meaning every minute that goes by it has been estimated that approximately 1.9 million brain cells are potentially dying. Emergency Medical Services will dispatch the ambulance, which will take you to the closest designated stroke center that has the ability to assess you in a timely fashion and provide the appropriate treatments. At the Mount Sinai Health System, all of our eight hospitals have been designated as certified stroke centers, meaning that we all have multidisciplinary teams to provide the appropriate therapy within the clinical guidelines for the acute treatment of stroke.

How will I be treated for an acute stroke?

Once you are in the emergency room, there is a lot that needs to be done in a very short period of time to make sure you are eligible for acute stoke treatment, including brain imaging and blood tests, etc. Afterwards, we may be able to administer certain therapies, for selected patients, within what we call the “therapeutic window.”

For example, for acute stroke, there’s treatment we give intravenously through the IV in the emergency department. If there is a big blockage of a blood vessel, we might be able go in and pull that clot out. The time period for the intravenous therapy is within three hours of symptom onset, and for some people we can extend it to four and a half hours. People who receive treatment earlier typically do better.

Am I having a stroke?

It’s important for everyone of all ages to know the signs and symptoms of a stroke. F.A.S.T and B.E.F.A.S.T, acronyms used by many medical and health organizations, including the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association, can help you quickly spot the common signs and symptoms of stroke.

B is for sudden loss of balance. Your gait is suddenly off balance, as if drunk or suddenly dizzy.
E is for sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes. You may also see double.
F is for an uneven face. You are experiencing sudden facial weakness or numbness on one side.
A is for arms or leg weakness. You can’t outstretch your arm or leg or keep it up, and there is a sudden weakness and/or numbness on one side of your body.
S is for slurred speech. Aside from slurred speech, you may not be able find the right words, or may have trouble understanding others.
T is for time. “Time is brain.” Don’t wait and hope symptoms go away—call 911.

Want to learn more about the warning signs of a stroke? Check out this interactive F.A.S.T. guide from the American Stroke Association.

Hispanohablantes: ¿Crees que alguien está sufriendo un derrame cerebral? Sea R.Á.P.I.D.O.

What’s the difference between a stroke and a mini stroke?

When people say “mini stroke,” they mean a transient ischemic attack, or TIA. “Transient” means brief; “ischemia” means reduction in blood flow; and “attack” means an event that is a shorter period of time where not enough blood gets to the brain and causes symptoms. An example might be that somebody is walking down the street, and suddenly, they feel their left arm and leg is heavy. They are having difficulty moving, they may have some difficulty walking, and then a few minutes later it goes away. Both stroke and TIAs are caused by an interruption of blood flow to the brain. The big distinction is that the TIA is a shorter period of time where not enough blood gets to the brain, so it doesn’t cause a permanent injury.

What should I do if I think I had a TIA?

Even if the symptoms resolve, a TIA is an emergency. Even though a TIA doesn’t result in an injury to your brain, we need to identify the cause. TIAs are warning signs that a stroke may be looming. If we can find that you have an artery narrowing or problems with your heart or your blood or blood pressure etc, that gives us the opportunity to try to address the issue before you have a stroke. TIAs and stroke are both considered emergencies and require fast treatment.

How can I decrease my risk for having a stroke?

There are a lot of risk factors for stroke, both modifiable and nonmodifiable. Nonmodifiable risk factors include age and family history of stroke. Modifiable risk factors include high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes. Hypertension (high blood pressure) is the number one reason why people have stroke and heart disease. The identification of high blood pressure, and modifying it, usually through adopting a healthier diet, regular activity, and sometimes medication, is important. Speaking to your doctor about your risks provides an opportunity to modify or control risks better long-term to reduce your chances of having a stroke.

How to tell if someone could be having a stroke

Remember the B.E.F.A.S.T. acronym:

You notice they are suddenly acting or walking as if drunk or dizzy, but they have not had anything to drink
You ask them to smile, and their face is asymmetrical
Their speech is slurred or they are unable to find the right words, or they seem confused and have trouble understanding you
They have difficulty maintaining or are unable to lift their arms or legs
They have double or blurred vision

If you notice any of the above, call 911 immediately.

How will having a stroke affect me?

Many individuals recover well after a stroke, and enjoy a good quality of life. The challenge is that certain types of stroke have the potential of causing significant neurological impairment, which highlights the need for prompt identification of stroke symptoms and treatment. If you think having a stroke is inevitable, you are wrong—there are many things you can do to reduce the chance of it happening. However, it starts with partnering with your primary care physician to discuss your particular risk factors and determine what you can do to modify your risks—not just today, but long-term—to reduce your risk of stroke and maintain good brain health.

Have you or someone you love experienced a stroke? Learn about Mount Sinai’s services and therapies that can help

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