Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke. It's the leading cause of long-term disability and a top cause of death. Yet for many people, the risk factors are things that lifestyle changes can address — and fast recognition of the warning signs saves lives. Here's what everyone should know.
When to call 911
Any sudden symptom that isn't normal — including an unusually severe headache, dizziness, loss of balance, or blurry vision — warrants immediate medical attention. Call 911 or seek care right away. Do not drive yourself.
Common warning signs of stroke
Stroke symptoms come on suddenly. That suddenness is the signal. If any of the following appear out of nowhere, treat it as a medical emergency:
- 1Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
- 2Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech
- 3Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- 4Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or poor coordination
- 5Sudden severe headache with no known cause
Remember: B.E.F.A.S.T.
The B.E.F.A.S.T. acronym is one of the most effective tools for recognizing stroke in the moment. Use it on yourself, and teach it to the people you love.
Risk factors to know — and address
Several factors raise your chances of having a stroke. Many of these are modifiable through lifestyle changes and consistent care with your provider.
- High blood pressure: Uncontrolled hypertension is one of the most significant stroke risk factors.
- Smoking: Damages blood vessels and promotes clot formation throughout the body.
- Diabetes: Especially when poorly controlled, diabetes significantly raises stroke risk.
- High cholesterol: High LDL levels lead to arterial plaque buildup, narrowing blood flow.
- Obesity: Compounds other risk factors like hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
- Physical inactivity: Lack of regular exercise is an independent risk factor for stroke.
- Excessive alcohol: Heavy drinking raises blood pressure and stroke risk.
- Atrial fibrillation: This heart rhythm disorder can cause clots that travel to the brain.
- Family history: Genetics and certain inherited conditions can increase risk.
- Age: Stroke risk rises with age — regular monitoring becomes increasingly important.
Addressing these risks through lifestyle changes — maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, managing blood pressure and cholesterol, and reducing alcohol — can make a real difference. Regular check-ins with your healthcare provider are key.
Helpful resources
- stroke.org
- strokesupportassoc.org
- CDC Stroke Prevention (cdc.gov/stroke)