Stroke Prevention Starts with Knowing B.E. F.A.S.T.

B.E. F.A.S.T.—because acting quickly can save brain cells and reduce the impact of stroke.

Stroke can happen to anyone at any age. However, recognizing the signs using B.E. F.A.S.T. can help save a life.
A stroke can change a life in seconds. Acting quickly when symptoms start can protect the brain, reduce lasting damage, and even save a life, according to the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association.

May is the American Stroke Month: Know the Signs, Save a Life

On average, nearly 2 million brain cells die every minute a stroke goes untreated, making early recognition and treatment critical. During May, American Stroke Month, the Stroke Association is highlighting the importance of recognizing stroke warning signs and understanding how early treatment and prevention can make a meaningful difference when it matters most.

Stroke Doesn’t Wait: Every Age, Every Second Counts

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 (1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Knowing stroke signs can save a life when every minute counts

Go to source

).

Each year, approximately 800,000 people in the U.S. experience a stroke. A stroke can happen to anyone, at any age.

Stroke Awareness: 3 Simple Steps to Fight Stroke

• Learn B.E. F.A.S.T. to spot a stroke. If you see sudden Balance loss, Eye or vision changes, Face drooping, Arm weakness or Speech difficulty, it’s time to call 911. Explore the signs by playing the B.E. F.A.S.T.
• Understand your stroke risk and explore ways to lower it. Identifying personal risk factors — especially high blood pressure, the leading risk factor for stroke — can help you have informed conversations with your health care team about stroke prevention and long term brain health.
• Find support after stroke. Recovery is a journey and connection matters. Providing adequate support can be life-saving.

Recognize Stroke Warning Signs: B.E. F.A.S.T.

When a stroke happens, blood flow to the brain is interrupted. The longer treatment is delayed, the greater the risk of lasting damage. Calling 911 is the fastest way to get stroke care. EMS can begin treatment immediately and alert the hospital stroke team before you arrive.

Know the Stroke Warning Signs: B.E. F.A.S.T.

• Balance Loss

  – Sudden trouble walking, dizziness or loss of coordination

• Eye (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

• 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.

Stroke Prevention: Prevent Today to Protect Tomorrow

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 (2^✔ ✔Trusted Source
2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics: A Report of US and Global Data From the American Heart Association

Go to source

).

Uncontrolled blood pressure, diabetes and obesity significantly increase risk.

How to Prevent Stroke?

A large majority of strokes can be prevented by taking steps to:

• Manage blood pressure:

  Lowering and controlling blood pressure reduces the risk of stroke. Regular check ups, monitoring at home and following a treatment plan can lower risk and support long term brain health.

• Build healthy habits:

  Eating well, staying active, not smoking and keeping up with routine health screenings all play an important role in reducing stroke risk. The Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8^TM outlines key steps for improving and maintaining cardiovascular and brain health.

• Reduce the risk of a second stroke:

  Prevention takes on added importance for people who have had a stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA) , sometimes called a “warning stroke.” Nearly 1 in 4 strokes occur in people who have had a previous stroke (3^✔ ✔Trusted Source
  2025 AHA/ACC/AANP/AAPA/ABC/ACCP/ACPM/AGS/AMA/ASPC/NMA/PCNA/SGIM Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines

  Go to source

  ).
  
  Understanding what caused the first stroke and identifying personal risk factors can help guide next steps and reduce the chance of another one.

Stroke Action Plan: Recognize Early! Respond Fast! Support Recovery!

Stroke recovery looks different for everyone, and support can play an important role along the way.

Stroke can happen suddenly. Knowing the signs with B.E. F.A.S.T. can help you respond when minutes matter.

Reference:

1. Knowing stroke signs can save a life when every minute counts – (https://newsroom.heart.org/news/knowing-stroke-signs-can-save-a-life-when-every-minute-counts)
2. 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics: A Report of US and Global Data From the American Heart Association – (https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001412)
3. 2025 AHA/ACC/AANP/AAPA/ABC/ACCP/ACPM/AGS/AMA/ASPC/NMA/PCNA/SGIM Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines – (https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001356)

Source-Eurekalert