Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke, totaling approximately 800,000 incidents annually, according to the American Heart Association. Strokes are a leading cause of death and long-term disability, but many can be prevented or treated effectively if warning signs are recognized early and risk factors are managed.
“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 the public recognize stroke symptoms, the American Stroke Association promotes the B.E. F.A.S.T. acronym. B stands for sudden balance loss or difficulty walking; E for sudden vision changes in one or both eyes; F for face drooping, often felt as numbness on one side; A for arm weakness, where one arm drifts downward when raised; S for speech difficulty, including slurred speech; and T for time to call 911 immediately if any symptoms appear, even if they go away. Noting the time symptoms start is critical for treatment.
An interactive web-based B.E. F.A.S.T. Experience is available to help people understand what stroke symptoms may look, feel, and sound like.
Approximately 80% of strokes are preventable through lifestyle choices and medical management, the association reports. Key preventive measures include eating well, staying physically active, avoiding smoking, and attending routine health screenings. Managing risk factors with a healthcare professional is essential.
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, home monitoring, adhering to treatment plans, and a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce stroke risk. Having a stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA), often called a mini-stroke, increases the likelihood of a second stroke, making it vital to identify the cause and reduce personal risk factors.
For more information on stroke risk factors and warning signs, visit Stroke.org/StrokeMonth, where stroke support services and the Stroke Connection e-newsletter are also available.
This news matters because strokes affect millions annually, and the knowledge that 80% are preventable empowers individuals and healthcare systems to take proactive steps. For business leaders, promoting brain health in the workplace and ensuring employees recognize stroke signs can reduce long-term healthcare costs and improve productivity. The emphasis on managing high blood pressure—a condition affecting nearly half of U.S. adults—highlights the importance of routine health monitoring and lifestyle adjustments.
