Strokes affect nearly 800,000 Americans each year, often without warning. In the U.S., someone has a stroke every 40 seconds, and dies from stroke every three minutes.
During Stroke Awareness Month, Dr. Jennifer Nuovo, chief medical officer for Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan, urges everyone to recognize the warning signs and take steps to lower your risk. “Stroke is a leading cause of disability, but many cases are preventable,” said Dr. Nuovo. “Early treatment can reduce long-term damage, so knowing the symptoms and acting quickly can save lives.”
Know the signs: Act FAST
A stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is blocked or a vessel ruptures. Because brain cells begin to die within minutes, quick action is critical. Use “FAST” to identify symptoms:
- F — Face drooping: One side of the face droops or feels numb. Ask the person to smile.
- A — Arm weakness: One arm feels weak or numb. Ask them to raise both arms.
- S — Speech difficulty: Speech is slurred or hard to understand. Ask them to repeat a simple sentence.
- T — Time to call 911: If you notice any of these signs, call immediately — even if symptoms go away.
Other signs include sudden confusion, vision problems, dizziness, loss of balance, or a severe headache. “If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts,” Dr. Nuovo said. “Getting help fast can mean the difference between recovery and lasting disability.”
5 ways to lower the risk of stroke
While some risks like age and family history, can’t be changed, many stroke risks can actually be managed. Dr. Nuovo recommends:
- Watch your blood pressure: High blood pressure is the single most important risk factor. “Keeping up with regular checkups, taking prescribed medications, reducing salt intake, and staying active can all help keep blood pressure in check,” said Dr. Nuovo.
- Manage diabetes and cholesterol: Uncontrolled blood sugar and high cholesterol can damage blood vessels over time. Work with your healthcare provider to keep these levels within a healthy range.
- Stay physically active: Regular movement supports circulation and helps lower blood pressure. “You don’t need a gym membership to make a difference. Walking your dog, gardening, or even short movements during the day can help,” said Dr. Nuovo.
- Eat with your heart, and brain, in mind: Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats to support overall vascular health. “You would do well to also limit processed foods, sugary drinks, and excess sodium.”
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol: Smoking dramatically increases stroke risk by damaging blood vessels and raising blood pressure. And if you drink alcohol, you should do so in moderation. Any excessive use can raise your risk of stroke and other cardiovascular problems over time.
Gender differences with stroke
Stroke symptoms don’t always look the same for everyone, and understanding gender differences can be lifesaving. Dr. Nuovo says while both men and women may experience classic signs like facial drooping, arm weakness, and speech difficulty, women are more likely to report less typical symptoms such as sudden confusion, fatigue, nausea, a sense of just not feeling well, or shortness of breath. “These differences can make strokes in women harder to recognize and may delay treatment, increasing the risk of serious outcomes.” Raising awareness of these distinctions is critical to ensuring faster diagnosis and care.
This Stroke Awareness Month, learn the signs and share them. Taking action today could help save a life — even possibly your own.
More information on stroke
- Stroke warning signs from the American Stroke Association
- Blue Shield of California resources: