Stroke Awareness: Recognizing Signs and Managing Risks Can Save Lives
With strokes affecting 800,000 Americans annually, understanding warning signs and controlling risk factors like high blood pressure can prevent 80% of strokes and improve outcomes.
Every 40 seconds someone in the United States has a stroke, totaling approximately 800,000 people each year, according to the American Heart Association. Strokes are a leading cause of death and serious long-term disability, but many can be prevented, treated, and overcome by recognizing risk factors and taking proactive steps.
"When a stroke happens, every minute matters," said Dr. Adrian Jaquin-Valdivia, a stroke neurologist at HCA Healthcare and American Stroke Association volunteer expert. "The faster someone gets treatment, the better the chance of saving brain function. On average, nearly 2 million brain cells die every minute a stroke goes untreated. Early treatment improves survival rates and reduces disability."
Knowing the warning signs is critical. The American Stroke Association promotes the acronym B.E. F.A.S.T. to help identify symptoms: Balance loss (sudden difficulty walking, dizziness, or loss of coordination), Eye changes (sudden vision loss or trouble seeing in one or both eyes), Face drooping (one side of the face droops or feels numb), Arm weakness (one arm feels weak or numb or drifts downward when raised), Speech difficulty (slurred speech or trouble speaking), and Time to call 911. If any symptoms appear, even if they go away, call emergency services immediately and note the time symptoms started. An interactive B.E. F.A.S.T. Experience is available to see what stroke symptoms may look, feel, and sound like.
Approximately 80% of strokes are preventable, according to the American Stroke Association. Everyday choices—such as eating well, moving more, not smoking, and keeping up with routine health screenings—along with managing risk factors with a healthcare professional, can help lower stroke risk. High blood pressure is the leading risk factor for stroke, as noted in the 2025 American Heart Association/ACC Guideline for the Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults. Controlling blood pressure through regular checkups, at-home monitoring, following a treatment plan, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce stroke risk and support brain health.
Additionally, having a stroke or mini stroke, known as a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), increases the chances of a second one. Identifying the cause and reducing personal risk factors can help protect health and lower the risk of another stroke. For more information on stroke risk factors and warning signs, visit Stroke.org/StrokeMonth, where stroke support services and the Stroke Connection e-newsletter are also available.