BE FAST to treat stroke
Globally, 1 in 4 people over 25 will suffer from a stroke in their lifetime.¹ This is why it’s important to quickly recognize, treat and prevent strokes when they happen to you or a loved one. Together — through awareness, education, and prevention — we can save lives.
What is a stroke?
A stroke or a “brain attack” is a sudden interruption in the brain’s blood supply. When the blood supply is interrupted, your brain no longer gets the oxygen and nutrients it needs, therefore, causing brain cells to die by the minute.²
According to the World Health Organization, stroke is the second leading cause of death and third leading cause of disability worldwide.³
Know the facts and prevent stroke today.
Global stroke facts
1 in 4
will have a stroke in
their lifetime.1
15M
people suffer from stroke annually.4
~10%
of strokes are treated.5
Awareness facts6
1. Severe headaches
2. Difficulty walking, dizziness, and/or loss of balance
3. Sudden numbness in the face, arms, and/or legs
4. Difficulty seeing in one or both eyes
5. Confusion and/or trouble speaking
~22.1%
of adults in the United States are unaware of all 5 symptoms of stroke.7
1 sec
32,000 brain
cells die8
1 min
1.9M brain cells
are lost9
1 hr
3.6 years of brain cells lost in normal aging9
Warning signs and symptoms
For every minute treatment is delayed, there is a risk of losing 4 days of a disability free life and 10 days of functional independence.10
Act quickly to recognize the signs of stroke and get loved ones access to a comprehensive stroke center.
Learn the warning signs of stroke to B.E. F.A.S.T. in order to save a life.
How is stroke treated?
There are several ways acute ischemic stroke can be treated by either removing or dissolving a clot.7
Medical management
An intravenous tissue plasminogen activator is often used to break up clots and works best when used soon after the stroke occurs.11
Mechanical thrombectomy
For larger, more complex clots a minimally invasive procedure known as mechanical thrombectomy uses a device to remove the clot.11
How to manage and reduce the risk of stroke
Up to 80% of strokes could be prevented by addressing a small number of risk factors.12
With some simple life changes and working with your doctor, you can reduce your risk of stroke by managing your other conditions. Learn more about the connections between stroke and diabetes, cholesterol, hypertension, and atrial fibrillation.
Explore resources
Stroke survivor story —
Kimberly Mundt
Kimberly Mundt, 34 and a mother of three, was working to support her family at a local coffee shop when she suffered a stroke. Her friend knew the signs of stroke and acted F.A.S.T.
Stroke survivor story —
Bill Martin
An ordinary football game day for superfan Bill Martin, 54, was transformed into a life-saving experience when friends and bystanders recognized signs of his stroke and jumped into action.
World Stroke Organization. Learn about stroke. Accessed October 26, 2022.
American Stroke Association. About Stroke. Accessed 20 April 2022.
Feigin VL, Brainin M, Norrving B, et al. World Stroke Organization (WSO): Global stroke fact sheet 2022. International Journal of Stroke. 2022;17(1):18-29. doi:10.1177/17474930211065917
World Health Organization. Stroke, cerebrovascular accident. Accessed September 6, 2022.
Medtronic.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Stroke facts. Accessed October 26, 2022.
Haesebaert, J., Laude, C., Termoz, A. et al. Impact of a theory-informed and user-centered stroke information campaign on the public’s behaviors, attitudes, and knowledge when facing acute stroke: a controlled before-and-after study. BMC Public Health 20, 1712 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-020-09795-y
Saver, J.L., Time is brain. Stroke. 2006;37:263–266. https://doi.org/10.1161/01.STR.0000196957.55928.ab
Scribd. Broyles, R. Pathophysiology of Cerebrovascular accident. Published 2009. Accessed October 26, 2022.
NeuroNews. Time is money, not just brain. Published October 10, 2018. Accessed May 18, 2022.
American Stroke Association. Ischemic stroke treatments. Accessed October 4, 2022.
American Stroke Association. Preventing another stroke. Accessed October 4, 2022.
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