What Is a Stroke?
A stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is interrupted—either by a blocked blood vessel (ischemic stroke) or bleeding in the brain (hemorrhagic stroke). Without a steady supply of oxygen, brain cells begin to die within minutes. That’s why every second counts.
How Common Is Stroke?
- Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. has a stroke
- Every 4 minutes, someone dies from a stroke
- More than 6.5 million Americans are stroke survivors
Stroke is also a leading cause of long-term disability. Recovery can be long and complex, especially without access to therapies and ongoing care.
Risk Factors for Stroke
While stroke can affect anyone at any age, some risk factors increase your chances of having one:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- High cholesterol
- Obesity
- Heart disease or atrial fibrillation
- Family or personal history of stroke or TIA (“mini-stroke”)
Managing these conditions—and knowing your numbers—can help prevent stroke before it starts.
Learn the Signs: BE FAST
Recognizing the symptoms of a stroke early and calling for help immediately can save a life. Use the BE FAST acronym to remember the warning signs:
- B – Balance: Is the person suddenly dizzy, off-balance, or unable to coordinate movements?
- E – Eyes: Is there sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes?
- F – Face drooping: Does one side of the face droop or feel numb? Ask them to smile.
- A – Arm weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask them to raise both arms.
- S – Speech difficulty: Is their speech slurred or hard to understand? Ask them to repeat a simple sentence.
- T – Time to call 911: If someone shows any of these symptoms, call 911 right away.
Time-sensitive treatments like clot-busting medications or procedures can only be given within a few hours of symptom onset. Don’t wait to see if symptoms improve—call for help immediately.
Why Stroke Awareness Month Matters
Raising awareness saves lives. When more people understand what stroke is, how to prevent it, and how to recognize the signs, more stroke survivors get the care they need—and more families avoid tragedy.
Whether you're a caregiver, survivor, or advocate, you can take part by:
- Learning the signs of stroke
- Sharing stroke resources in your community or workplace
- Talking to loved ones about prevention
- Supporting programs that help survivors access care
Final Thoughts
Stroke is a medical emergency—but it's also a preventable and treatable condition. By understanding the risks and acting fast, we can reduce the impact of stroke on individuals, families, and communities.
This May, let’s commit to knowing the signs, sharing what we know, and making recovery possible for all.
%20(2)%20(1).png)
