American Heart Association
04/30/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/30/2026 19:35
May is American Stroke Month and highlights High Blood Pressure Education, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage and National Women’s Health Month plus Mental Health[...]
IN THE NEWS:
B.E. F.A.S.T. Warning Signs
Recognize the warning signs of stroke and call 9-1-1 immediately.
B = Balance Loss
Is there a sudden loss of balance or coordination? Is the person having trouble walking or experiencing dizziness?
E = Eye (Vision) Changes
Are there sudden changes in vision? Ask the person if they are experiencing blurred vision, double vision, or loss of sight in one or both eyes.
F = Face Drooping
Does one side of the face droop, or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person's smile uneven?
A = Arm Weakness
Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S = Speech Difficulty
Is speech slurred or difficult to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence.
T = Time to Call 911
If you have any of these symptoms or see someone else having them, call 911 immediately!
Learn more about these and other warning signs of stroke.
Link to B.E.F.A.S.T. Infographic full transcript and stroke.org
copyright American Heart Association.
Identifique un derrame cerebral R.Á.P.I.D.O.:
- R - Rostro caído (Face drooping)
- Á - Alteración del equilibrio (Loss of Balance, or Lack of Coordination)
- P - Pérdida de fuerza en el brazo (Arm weakness)
- I - Impedimento visual repentino (Sudden vision difficulty)
- D - Dificultad para hablar (Slurred or Strange Speech)
- O - Obtener ayuda, llamar al 911 (Get help, call 911)
Tome medidas para prevenir el derrame cerebral ahora para poder estar presente más adelante. Obtenga más información en Stroke.org/Espanol.
5 Key Facts About Stroke<_o3a_p>
Fact #1: Stroke kills brain cells - Stroke happens when a clot or rupture interrupts blood flow to the brain. Without oxygen-rich blood, brain cells die.
Fact #2: Types of stroke - Ischemic caused by a clot, Hemorrhagic caused by a rupture and Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) or "warning stroke" caused by a temporary blockage.
Fact #3: About one in four stroke survivors is at risk for another - Fortunately, up to 80 percent of second clot-related strokes may be preventable.
Fact #4: Prevention is key - Had a stroke? Work with your doctor to identify the cause and create a plan to prevent another. This may include managing high blood pressure, making healthy lifestyle choices and taking medications as recommended by your doctor.
After an ischemic stroke or TIA, most patients will be prescribed an antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy.<_o3a_p>
Fact #5: Time lost is brain lost - B.E. F.A.S.T. and call 9-1-1.
A key risk factor for stroke is high blood pressure, the "silent killer"
Nearly half of American adults have high blood pressure. (Many don't even know they have it.) The best way to know if you have high blood pressure it is to have your blood pressure checked.
- Most of the time there are no obvious symptoms.
- Certain physical traits and lifestyle choices can put you at a greater risk for high blood pressure.
- When left untreated, the damage that high blood pressure does to your circulatory system is a significant contributing factor to heart attack, stroke and other health threats.
Infographic Transcript (doc) | Categorías de presión arterial Infografía (JPEG) - Accessible Spanish PDF
2025 High Blood Pressure Guideline news release
copyright American Heart Association
Whole body wellness can help you feel stronger, healthier and mentally sharp - and it can also reduce your stroke risk.
It's never too late to start making healthier choices:
- Get enough sleep - Adults need 7-9 hours per night. Teenagers and children need more.
- Get regular check-ups - Schedule regular visits with your health care provider. Talk about how to control or manage your risk factors.
- Move more, sit less
- Aim for 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise (or a combination) per week.
- Eat Healthy Increase the amount of fruits and vegetables you eat.
- Reduce your intake of sodium, added sugar, and saturated and trans fats.
- Don't smoke or vape If you currently smoke or vape, quit.
Stay healthy and active to help reduce your risk of STROKE, heart disease, memory loss and difficulty with thinking and learning.
Sleep Your Way to Whole Body Health - Catching ZZZs could be the key to unlocking a healthier you. Amount and quality of sleep can influence your eating habits, mood, memory, internal organs and more.
Healthy For Good sleep resources | Life's Essential 8, How to get healthy sleep | How to Sleep Better with a Bedtime Routine | How to sleep well infographicMay is National Dental Care Month
News release: Regular dental flossing may lower risk of stroke from blood clots, irregular heartbeats (1 - 2025)
News release: A common mouth and gut bacteria may be linked with increased stroke risk (1-2025)
News release: New initiative focuses on oral health clinicians in prevention and early detection of heart disease (Jan 2024)
Scientific statement: Good dental health may help prevent heart infection from mouth bacteria (4-2021)
Mental Health Awareness Month- Time to Manage Stress and Your Health
While you may feel too busy to de-stress - you can decide to take back your "me time," one moment at a time.
Did you know?
- Higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol is linked to a higher risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke?
- Between work, family and world events - too many of us are running on empty for the sake of others, particularly women. Constant, chronic stress can have real impacts on health.
- That's why the American Heart Association is sharing science-backed tips for managing stress for better health.
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Join Healthy for Good and learn tips to keep your mind and body fit.
Need help quitting? 5 Steps to Quit Smoking and Vaping | Living Tobacco-Free | Smoking and Heart Disease in Women
Public Policy Resources:
National Women's Health Month
Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of women
- Nearly 45% of women ages 20+ are living with some form of cardiovascular disease.
- Less than half of women entering pregnancy in the U.S. have optimal cardiovascular health.
- Women experience unique life stages, such as pregnancy and menopause, that can put them at an increased risk for CVD.
More May Calendar Highlights
American Stroke Month, Blood Pressure Education Month, Better Sleep Month, Mental Health Awareness Month, National Women's Health Month, National Physical Fitness & Sports, Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Month and Global Employee Health and Fitness Month, National Salsa Month as well as other important dates below.
May is International Mediterranean Diet Month
Looking ahead to June:
National CPR and AED Awareness Week is June 1-7 to stress the importance of CPR and AED use.
Join the Nation of Lifesavers
You could be the difference between life and death for someone experiencing a cardiac event. Be ready to act by learning CPR.
More Resources:
- American Heart Association Fact Sheets
- Follow the latest National Science and Program News and Your Local News (search by category/region)
Follow @HeartNews | Connect with us
American Heart Association published this content on April 30, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on May 01, 2026 at 01:35 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]