What Is a Stroke?
A stroke, also known as a Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA), occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. This can happen either due to a blood clot blocking a vessel (ischemic stroke) or bleeding from a ruptured vessel (hemorrhagic stroke).
Without immediate medical attention, strokes can cause permanent brain damage, disability, or even death. Understanding stroke is the first step toward prevention and recovery.
“Stroke is sudden, serious, and every second counts. Recognizing the signs can save a life.”
Recognizing the Warning Signs: B.E.F.A.S.T.
Time is critical when a stroke occurs. The B.E.F.A.S.T. acronym helps you remember the warning signs:
B – Balance: Sudden loss of balance, coordination, dizziness.
E – Eyes: Sudden vision changes, loss of vision in one or both eyes, or double vision.
F – Face: Is one side drooping? Ask the person to smile.
A – Arms: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask them to raise both arms.
S – Speech: Is speech slurred or strange? Ask them to repeat a simple sentence.
T – Time: Call 911 immediately if any signs appear.
Tip: Acting quickly can prevent long-term damage and improve recovery outcomes.
Stroke by the Numbers (CDC Statistics)
Infographics here should visualize the following key data points:
Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. has a stroke.
Nearly 795,000 strokes occur each year in the U.S.
About 1 in 4 strokes happen to people who have had a previous stroke.
A Stroke is the Leading cause of long-term disability in adults.
Risk factors include: high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, obesity, and high cholesterol.
“Knowledge of stroke risk and warning signs empowers you to act fast and protect yourself and loved ones.”
Prevention & Early Action
Understanding the risk factors and seeking timely medical care can dramatically improve outcomes. Healthy lifestyle choices such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and blood pressure management—can reduce the likelihood of stroke.
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