A stroke can happen to anyone at any age, with approximately 800,000 people experiencing one each year in the United States, according to the American Heart Association. Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. has a stroke, making it a leading cause of death and serious long-term disability. However, many strokes may be prevented, treated and overcome by understanding the risk factors and taking steps toward managing them.
“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.”
To help recognize common warning signs, the American Stroke Association promotes the acronym B.E. F.A.S.T.: Balance loss (sudden difficulty walking or dizziness), Eye changes (sudden vision loss in one or both eyes), Face drooping (one side droops or feels numb), Arm weakness (one arm feels weak or drifts downward), Speech difficulty (slurred speech or trouble speaking), and Time to call 911. If any symptoms occur, even if they go away, emergency services should be called immediately. Checking the time when symptoms start is also critical. The association offers an interactive, web-based B.E. F.A.S.T. Experience to explore 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 health care 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.
Additionally, having a stroke or mini stroke, known as a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), increases the chances of a second one. Identifying the cause of a stroke and reducing personal risk factors can protect health and lower the risk of another stroke. The American Stroke Association encourages individuals to learn more about risk factors and warning signs by visiting Stroke.org/StrokeMonth, where they can also access stroke support services and subscribe to the Stroke Connection e-newsletter for the latest resources.
