Knowing stroke signs can save a life when every minute counts

Los Angeles, May 4, 2026 — Andrew Mota was 20 years old when he suddenly had trouble speaking, could not move parts of his body and began vomiting. One week earlier, he had been in a small car accident. The accident caused a tear in an artery, which led to a blood clot that traveled to his brain. Andrew’s father recognized his son was having a stroke, even though doctors were unsure because Andrew was so young. Because he got treatment quickly, Andrew survived. After a year of physical therapy, he was able to recover.

A stroke can change someone’s life in an instant. In the minutes after symptoms begin, quick action can help protect the brain, reduce long-term disability and save a life, according to the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association.

On average, nearly 2 million brain cells die every minute a stroke goes untreated, making early recognition and treatment critical. During American Stroke Month this May, 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.

Learn to recognize stroke warning signs with B.E. F.A.S.T. and R.A.P.I.D.O.

"When a stroke happens, blood flow to the brain is interrupted and brain cells begin to die by the minute," said May Nour, MD, PhD, MBA, FSVIN, an interventional neurologist at UCLA Health and volunteer expert for the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. “Calling 911 is the single fastest way to get lifesaving care. Paramedics and mobile stroke units, where available, can begin treatment the moment they arrive and alert our stroke teams before the patient even reaches the hospital, saving precious time."

B.E. F.A.S.T. is a simple way to remember common stroke warning signs:

• 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.

There is also an acronym in Spanish to make it easier to remember the symptoms of stroke. R.A.P.I.D.O. stands for:

• Rostro caído (Face drooping)
• Alteración del equilibrio (Loss of balance)
• Pérdida de fuerza en el brazo o pierna (Arm or leg weakness)
• Impedimento visual repentino (Sudden vision loss or trouble seeing)
• Dificultad para hablar (Speech difficulty)
• Obtén ayuda, llama al 911 (Get help, call 911)

Understand stroke risk and explore ways to lower it. 

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is the leading risk factor for stroke[1]. Uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes and obesity significantly increase risk.

According to the American Stroke Association, approximately 80% of strokes are preventable 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 heart 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[2]. Understanding what caused the first stroke and identifying personal risk factors can help guide next steps and reduce the chance of another one.

Support that meets survivors where they are.

Stroke recovery looks different for everyone, and support can play an important role along the way. The Stroke Association offers resources designed to help survivors and care partners feel informed, connected and supported. Stay connected with recovery tools and support by signing up for the Stroke Connection e‑newsletter.

For more trusted resources, practical tools and support, visit Stroke.org/StrokeMonth. For information in Spanish, go to derramecerebral.org.

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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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:

Kristine Kelly, kristine.kelly@heart.org

For Public Inquiries:
1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org