Prevent a First Stroke
Prevent a First Stroke
World Stroke Day is October 29th. But you can start now with small steps to improve your brain function and prevent stroke.
"I will not have a stroke."
Stroke affects about 1 in 4 people worldwide. It can happen to anyone. The good news is, 80% of first strokes may be prevented. You have the power.
"I will know my risk factors."
I will work to prevent stroke. I won’t let stroke separate me from the people who mean so much to me.
You may have at least one inherited risk factor for stroke – many people do. Your age, gender or other factors outside your control can increase your risk.
It’s important to be aware of those risk factors you can’t control. Beyond that, you should try to control risk factors that you can do something about. That includes monitoring your blood pressure, staying active, eating better and quitting smoking.
High Blood Pressure is the No. 1 Controllable Risk Factor for Stroke
Nearly half of American adults have high blood pressure, or hypertension. Work with your doctor to keep your blood pressure in a healthy range (under 120/80).
"I will act F.A.S.T."
Acting quickly may represent the difference between recovery and disability. Learn to think and act fast.Calling 9-1-1 Still Important Despite COVID-19
Stroke is a medical emergency. If someone is experiencing symptoms, they should still call 9-1-1 as soon as possible. By learning and sharing the F.A.S.T. warning signs, you just might save a life from stroke.
Additional Signs of Stroke
Stroke is a medical emergency. For the best chance of recovery, call 911 for help. Medical treatment may start in the ambulance.
- Sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech.
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, and loss of balance or coordination.
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause.
"I will do everything I can to prevent stroke."
Start here to educate yourself and others about condition management, risk factors and preventing stroke, by using and sharing our resources below.Condition Management Information
- I WILL Prevent Another Stroke or Heart Attack Infographic
- What to Do Instead of Having Another Stroke (PDF)
- Explaining Stroke Brochure
- Kids Stroke Prevention Quiz (PDF)
- Kids Stroke Word Finder (PDF)
- High Blood Pressure and Stroke Prevention Infographic (Spanish PDF)
- Stroke Prevention Brochure English (PDF)
- Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Print Ad (PDF)
- 5 Fast Facts about Stroke (Infographic)
- How Can I Monitor My Cholesterol, Blood Pressure and Weight ? (PDF)
- Check. Change. Control. Calculator
- Stroke Quiz English
- Answers by Heart Fact Sheets
- 5 Things Every Stroke Hero Should Know Infographic
- Stroke Hero Toolkit (PDF)