A World Stroke Day Guide to Recognize, Respond and Reduce Stroke Risk

Credit: Adobe Stock/The Masterplan Std.

Each year, October 29 marks World Stroke Day, a global event led by the World Stroke Organization (WSO) to raise awareness about one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Stroke can happen to anyone, at any age, but the good news is that up to 80% of strokes are preventable with the right knowledge and action.

Understanding Stroke

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off or reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. Within minutes, brain cells begin to die. The most common type, ischemic stroke, results from a blocked artery, while hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel ruptures. A transient ischemic attack (TIA), or ministroke, causes temporary symptoms but serves as a serious warning sign of future stroke risk.

Globally, 1 in 4 adults will have a stroke in their lifetime. In the U.S. alone, nearly 800,000 people experience one every year, and someone dies of stroke approximately every 3.5 minutes.

Know the Signs: BE FAST

When it comes to stroke, timing is everything. Immediate treatment can dramatically improve survival and recovery outcomes. To quickly recognize the warning signs, experts recommend the BE FAST acronym:

• B – Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination
• E – Eyes: Sudden blurred or double vision
• F – Face: One side of the face droops when smiling
• A – Arm: One arm drifts downward when both are raised
• S – Speech: Slurred or strange speech
• T – Time: Time to call 911 immediately

If you or someone near you experiences any of these symptoms — even if they disappear — call emergency services right away. Every minute of delay can cost nearly 2 million brain cells. Studies show patients who receive treatment within the first 4.5 hours have far better outcomes.

Preventing Stroke: Control What You Can

While some risk factors like age, family history, and genetics can’t be changed, most strokes are linked to lifestyle or medical conditions that can be managed. The CDC highlights high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, obesity and high cholesterol as the leading modifiable risks.

Here are five key steps for prevention:

• Check your blood pressure regularly. Hypertension is the single biggest stroke risk factor.
• Manage diabetes and cholesterol. Keep blood sugar and lipid levels within target ranges.
• Stay active. At least 150 minutes of moderate activity each week can lower your risk by more than one-third.
• Quit smoking and limit alcohol. Both significantly increase stroke and heart disease risk.
• Eat smart. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein and whole grains supports vascular health.

The WSO’s "Prevent Stroke" campaign also emphasizes routine checkups and knowing your personal risk profile. Even young adults are not immune — recent data show a rising incidence of stroke in people under 50, largely tied to preventable factors like hypertension and sedentary lifestyle.

Recovery and Life After Stroke

Surviving a stroke is the first step toward recovery. Rehabilitation — physical, occupational and speech therapy — helps restore independence. Ongoing care includes managing blood pressure, cholesterol and medications like antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs as prescribed.

Emotional recovery is equally important. Depression and anxiety are common after stroke, affecting nearly 1 in 3 survivors. Support groups and counseling can make a significant difference in long-term outcomes.

This World Stroke Day, take one action that could save a life — maybe even your own. Schedule a blood pressure check, share the BE FAST message with a friend or simply take a 30-minute walk.

As the World Stroke Organization reminds us, "time saved is brain saved." The more we understand stroke warning signs, risk factors and prevention strategies, the fewer lives will be lost or permanently changed by this condition.