During May, American Stroke Month, the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, is highlighting the critical importance of recognizing stroke warning signs and understanding how early treatment and prevention can make a meaningful difference. On average, nearly 2 million brain cells die every minute a stroke goes untreated, making early recognition and treatment essential to protect the brain, reduce long-term disability, and save a life, according to the association.
Stroke is the fourth-leading cause of death, according to the American Heart Association's 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistical Update, and a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the United States. Each year, approximately 800,000 people in the U.S. experience a stroke. A stroke can happen to anyone, at any age.
The association encourages three key actions to take against stroke: learn B.E. F.A.S.T. to spot a stroke; understand personal stroke risk and explore ways to lower it; and find support after stroke. B.E. F.A.S.T. is a simple way to remember common stroke warning signs: Balance Loss (sudden trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of coordination), Eye or Vision Changes (sudden vision loss or trouble seeing in one or both eyes), Face Drooping (one side of the face droops or feels numb; a smile may look uneven), 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 someone shows any of these signs, even if symptoms go away, calling 911 right away can help get lifesaving care started). Noting when symptoms first appeared can also support treatment decisions.
According to the Heart Association and the Stroke Association, approximately 80% of strokes are preventable. High blood pressure is the leading risk factor for stroke, and uncontrolled blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity significantly increase risk. Steps to prevent stroke include managing blood pressure, building healthy habits such as eating well, staying active, not smoking, and keeping up with routine health screenings, and reducing the risk of a second stroke for those who have already had one. Nearly 1 in 4 strokes occur in people who have had a previous stroke, according to the 2026 update.
Recovery after stroke looks different for everyone, and support can play an important role. The Stroke Association offers resources designed to help survivors and care partners feel informed, connected, and supported, including live, virtual Stroke Meetups where participants can share experiences, ask questions, and learn from trusted experts. Stay connected with recovery tools and support by signing up for the Stroke Connection e-newsletter at Stroke.org/StrokeMonth.
Stroke can happen suddenly. Knowing the signs with B.E. F.A.S.T. can help you respond when minutes matter. This American Stroke Month, explore trusted resources, practical tools, and support 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.
