Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke, totaling approximately 800,000 strokes each year, according to the American Heart Association. Strokes are a leading cause of death and long-term disability, but many can be prevented, treated, and overcome with proper awareness and action.
A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, causing brain cells to die due to lack of oxygen. Time is critical: “When a stroke happens, every minute matters,” said Dr. Adrian Jaquin-Valdivia, a stroke neurologist at HCA Healthcare and American Stroke Association volunteer expert. “On average, nearly 2 million brain cells die every minute a stroke goes untreated. Early treatment improves survival rates and reduces disability.”
To help the public recognize stroke symptoms, the American Stroke Association promotes the B.E. F.A.S.T. acronym: Balance loss (sudden difficulty walking or dizziness), Eye changes (sudden vision loss), Face drooping (one side of the face droops), Arm weakness (one arm drifts downward), Speech difficulty (slurred speech), and Time to call 911. Even if symptoms go away, immediate emergency care is crucial. An interactive B.E. F.A.S.T. Experience is available online to help people recognize what stroke symptoms look, feel, and sound like.
Approximately 80% of strokes are preventable through lifestyle choices and managing risk factors. The American Stroke Association emphasizes healthy eating, regular physical activity, not smoking, and routine health screenings. High blood pressure is the leading risk factor for stroke, according to 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, and following treatment plans can significantly reduce stroke risk.
For those who have already experienced a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), the risk of a second stroke increases. Identifying the cause and reducing personal risk factors are essential to protect brain health. More information, support services, and resources are available at Stroke.org/StrokeMonth, where individuals can also subscribe to the Stroke Connection e-newsletter.
