3 ways to protect your heart and brain this American Stroke Month

DALLAS, May 1, 2024 — Every 40 seconds someone in the U.S. has a stroke[1] and 1 in 4 stroke survivors will have another one[2]. During May, American Stroke Month, the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, is raising awareness nationwide that stroke is largely preventable, treatable and beatable.

Here are 3 ways you can act now to beat stroke:

1. Learn how to spot a stroke F.A.S.T. If you see Face drooping, Arm weakness or Speech difficulty, it’s Time to call 911.
2. Know your blood pressure numbers and keep them in a healthy range. High blood pressure is a leading cause and controllable risk factor for stroke and heart disease. Lowering your blood pressure reduces your risk of stroke.
3. Prevent another stroke – Be a bold advocate for yourself by talking to your doctor about managing risk factors to help prevent a second stroke.

A stroke happens when normal blood flow in the brain is interrupted. When parts of the brain don’t get the oxygen-rich blood they need, those cells die. Quick identification and treatment of stroke equals a higher chance of survival and recovery. Having a stroke puts you at a higher risk for a second one. There are things you can do to reduce your risk, starting with identifying what caused your stroke and uncovering your personal risk factors.

A stroke can happen to anyone at any time. However, the burden and risk of stroke is higher among Black and Hispanic adults in the U.S. This is in part due to unmanaged risk factors including high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes.

A large majority of strokes can be prevented through education and lifestyle changes such as moving more, eating smart and managing conditions like atrial fibrillation (AFib) and high blood pressure.

This American Stroke Month, be a bold advocate for yourself and others by learning the signs of a stroke and talking to your health care team to manage your risk factors. Stroke is an emergency. If someone is having a stroke, they must get medical attention right away.

Spot a stroke F.A.S.T.:

• Face Drooping - Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person's smile uneven?
• Arm Weakness - Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
• Speech Difficulty - Is speech slurred? Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like "The sky is blue."
• Time to Call 911 - If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 911 and get to a hospital immediately. Check the time so you'll know when the first symptoms appeared.

Test your knowledge and skills with the F.A.S.T. Experience, a digital series of games and activities designed to educate users on what the warning signs of a stroke look, feel and/or sound like.

Prevent stroke now, so you can be there later. Learn more 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.
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Additional resources: 

• Multimedia is available on the right column of the release link.
• Spanish news release 
• VIDEO: F.A.S.T. PSA (downloadable files)
• Interactive F.A.S.T. Experience
• AHA News Release - Black women with high blood pressure before age 35 may have triple the risk of a stroke
• AHA News Release - Hispanic communities empowered: Understanding R.Á.P.I.D.O. acronym saves lives
• AHA News Release – Disparities in Black adults’ stroke risk factors persist; risk factor control reduced gap
• Follow AHA/ASA news on X (formerly known as Twitter) @HeartNews.

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.   

About the American Stroke Association

The American Stroke Association is a relentless force for a world with fewer strokes and longer, healthier lives. We team with millions of volunteers and donors to ensure equitable health and stroke care in all communities. We work to prevent, treat and beat stroke by funding innovative research, fighting for the public’s health, and providing lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based association was created in 1998 as a division of the American Heart Association. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-888-4STROKE or visit stroke.org. Follow us on Facebook and X.

[1] https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/facts.htm

[2] S S Martin; et al Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2024 Update: A Report of US and Global Data From the American Heart Association Circulation. 2024; 149:e347–e913. DOI: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000001209