Know the stroke signs and save lives this American Stroke Month
A stroke can happen to anyone, even young people. Know the stroke signs, risk factors and how to protect yourself:
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 improves the chances of survival and recovery.
Learn the warning signs
Stroke is an emergency. If someone is having a stroke, they must get medical attention right away.
Use the acronym F.A.S.T. to identify the most common signs of stroke:
Take steps to prevent stroke
Black and Hispanic adults in the U.S. face disproportionately higher stroke risk, driven in part by higher rates of high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes [3], as well as socioeconomic factors that impact access to care and prevention [4].
A large majority of strokes can be prevented:
Stroke recovery
Those who have had a stroke often must work against physical, emotional and cognitive changes to move forward. Stroke survivors and caregivers can track their health journey, medications and receive trusted information about stroke with the Heart & Stroke Helper app.
This American Stroke Month, take action and inspire change by learning the signs of a stroke and talking to your health care team to manage your risk factors.
Together, we can change the future of health and transform lives. Learn more at Stroke.org/StrokeMonth.
The HCA Healthcare Foundation is a national sponsor of the American Stroke Association's Together to End Stroke(R) initiative and American Stroke Month.
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Additional resources:
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public's health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. 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.
For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173
Darcy Wallace: [email protected]
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
[1]S S Martin; et al Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2025 Update: A Report of US and Global Data From the American Heart Association Circulation. 2025;151:e1–e620. DOI: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000001303
[2]https://newsroom.heart.org/news/new-guideline-preventing-a-first-stroke-may-be-possible-with-screening-lifestyle-changes
[3]https://www.stroke.org/en/help-and-support/resource-library/lets-talk-about-stroke/hispanic-and-latino-americans#:~:text=Although%20stroke%20is%20the%20fifth,3%20for%20women
[4]E Reshetnyak; et al Impact of Multiple Social Determinants of Health on Incident of Stroke. Stroke. 2020;51:2445–2453 DOI:10.1161/STROKEAHA.120.028530
[5]C Bushnell; et al 2024 Guideline for the Primary Prevention of Stroke: A Guideline From the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. Stroke 2024;55:e344–e424. DOI: 10.1161/STR.0000000000000475
[6]S S Martin; et al Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2025 Update: A Report of US and Global Data From the American Heart Association Circulation. 2025;151:e1–e620. DOI: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000001303
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