Together We Can Prevent Stroke

Having a stroke puts you at a higher risk for a second one. However, there are things you can do to reduce your risk, starting with identifying what caused your stroke and learning your personal risk factors.

Prevent a Second Stroke

Nearly 1 in 4 stroke survivors will have another stroke. Managing blood pressure, eating well and staying active, can help decrease your risk — talk to your doctor about managing these factors to help prevent another stroke.

Take prescribed medications and check with your doctor before making any changes.

Resources for Preventing Another Stroke

Learn how to spot a stroke — B.E. F.A.S.T.

If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 911 immediately. Learn and share the warning signs and symptoms of stroke

B.E. F.A.S.T. - Balance Loss - Eye (Vision) Changes - Face Drooping - Arm Weakness - Speech Difficulty - Time to Call 911

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!

illustration of the app on a smartphone with round colored callouts: track numbers, track lifestyle habits, receive trusted info, manage medications, and connect with others

New!
The Heart & Stroke Helper™ App

Are you looking for support after your stroke? Our tool is designed for stroke survivors and their caregivers to better manage your health all in one place.

Learn more and download the Heart & Stroke Helper app

Olympian Michael Johnson shares his stroke survivor journey.

Together to End Stroke Anthem
This video brings awareness to the American Stroke Association’s consumer initiative Together to End Stroke which aims to educate consumers that stroke is largely preventable, treatable and beatable.

Survivor Story: Laura Sammons

What started for Laura Sammons and her family in 2017 as a routine weekend drive in the Houston area took a treacherous turn. As she approached an intersection with a stoplight, she blanked out and had no idea how to drive.

Sammons was having a stroke. A year and a half before this, she had experienced a transient ischemic attack, or TIA,— also known as a “warning stroke.”

Read Laura’s story

Secondary Stroke Prevention

Learn about the guideline released by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association for prevention of stroke in patients with previous stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA). Schedule time with your doctor to better understand the steps you can take to reduce your chance of another stroke.
Read the Key Messages for Patients

HCA Healthcare Foundation logoThe HCA Healthcare Foundation is the national sponsor of Getting to the Heart of Stroke™