Know B.E. F.A.S.T.: Stroke Signs Save Lives During American Stroke Month

During American Stroke Month this May, the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, is urging everyone to learn the warning signs of stroke and take preventive steps to protect brain health. Stroke remains the fourth-leading cause of death in the U.S., with approximately 800,000 people experiencing a stroke each year. Every minute untreated, nearly 2 million brain cells die, making early recognition critical. The Stroke Association emphasizes the B.E. F.A.S.T. acronym—Balance loss, Eye or vision changes, Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to call 911—as a simple way to spot a stroke. The interactive B.E. F.A.S.T. Experience is available at Stroke.org/StrokeMonth to help people practice recognizing these signs.

Beyond recognition, the association highlights that approximately 80% of strokes are preventable. High blood pressure is the leading risk factor, and managing it through regular check-ups, home monitoring, and following a treatment plan can significantly reduce risk. Other preventive measures include building healthy habits such as eating well, staying active, not smoking, and using the Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8TM framework. For those who have already had a stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA), prevention is even more crucial, as nearly 1 in 4 strokes occur in individuals with a previous stroke. The Stroke Association offers resources like virtual Stroke Meetups and the Stroke Connection e-newsletter to support survivors and care partners on their recovery journey.

The HCA Healthcare Foundation is a national sponsor of the Together to End Stroke® initiative. This American Stroke Month, the association encourages everyone to explore trusted resources at Stroke.org/StrokeMonth and take action to reduce stroke risk, recognize signs, and find support. Knowing the signs with B.E. F.A.S.T. can save a life when every minute counts.