The American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, is using May—American Stroke Month—to highlight the critical importance of recognizing stroke warning signs and acting quickly. With nearly 2 million brain cells dying every minute a stroke goes untreated, early recognition and treatment can protect the brain, reduce long-term disability, and save a life.
Stroke is the fourth-leading cause of death in the United States, according to the American Heart Association’s 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistical Update, and a leading cause of serious, long-term disability. Each year, approximately 800,000 people in the U.S. experience a stroke, which can happen to anyone at any age.
The association encourages three key actions: learning B.E. F.A.S.T. to spot a stroke, understanding personal stroke risk, and finding support after a stroke. B.E. F.A.S.T. stands for sudden Balance loss, Eye or vision changes, Face drooping, Arm weakness, and Speech difficulty—signs that warrant an immediate call to 911. The public can explore these signs through the interactive B.E. F.A.S.T. Experience at Stroke.org/StrokeMonth.
Identifying personal risk factors, particularly high blood pressure—the leading risk factor for stroke—can help individuals have informed conversations with their healthcare team about prevention and long-term brain health. The association notes that approximately 80% of strokes are preventable through managing blood pressure, building healthy habits, and reducing the risk of a second stroke. Nearly 1 in 4 strokes occur in people who have had a previous stroke, according to the 2026 Statistical Update.
For survivors and care partners, the association offers support services, including virtual Stroke Meetups and the Stroke Connection e-newsletter, available at Stroke.org/StrokeMonth. The HCA Healthcare Foundation is a national sponsor of the American Stroke Association’s Together to End Stroke initiative and American Stroke Month.
The importance of this message cannot be overstated: when a stroke happens, blood flow to the brain is interrupted, and the longer treatment is delayed, the greater the risk of lasting damage. Calling 911 is the fastest way to get care, as emergency medical services can begin treatment immediately and alert the hospital stroke team before arrival. Noting when symptoms first appeared also supports treatment decisions.
By taking steps to manage blood pressure, build healthy habits like eating well, staying active, and not smoking, and following Life’s Essential 8 guidelines, individuals can significantly lower their stroke risk. For those who have experienced a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), understanding the cause and personal risk factors can guide next steps to reduce the chance of another stroke.
Stroke can happen suddenly, but knowing the signs with B.E. F.A.S.T. can help anyone respond when minutes matter. This American Stroke Month, the association urges everyone to explore trusted resources and practical tools at Stroke.org/StrokeMonth.
