Bayer Stroke
A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted or blocked, depriving brain cells of oxygen. Ischemic stroke, the most common type of stroke, is caused by blocked blood flow to the brain.1 Nearly two million brain cells die every minute a stroke goes untreated, making rapid recognition and treatment critical.2 Stroke can result in impaired mobility, permanent speech or vision loss, or even death. While stroke risk increases with age, other risk factors, including high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol, and excess weight can also increase a person's risk.1 The signs and symptoms can be easily recognized using the acronym BE FAST, which stands for balance loss, eye (vision) changes, face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, and time to call 911.3
Risk of Second Stroke
For hundreds of thousands of Americans recovering from an ischemic stroke, surviving the first stroke does not mean the danger is over. Research shows approximately one in five ischemic stroke survivors will experience another stroke within five years,4 and second strokes are often more disabling and have poorer outcomes than the first.5 After experiencing an ischemic stroke, patients remain vulnerable to another stroke, making ongoing prevention and long-term care important. Health experts recommend staying under medical supervision, taking medications as prescribed, managing underlying health conditions, adopting healthier daily habits, and recognizing warning signs immediately if symptoms return.6
Links to include on Stroke Page:
Stroke Q&A With Sara Hegab
About Stroke
References
1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Stroke Facts. Updated October 24, 2024. Accessed May 8, 2026. CDC Stroke Facts.
2 Saver JL. Time is brain—quantified. Stroke. 2006;37(1):263-266. doi:10.1161/01.
3 American Stroke Association. B.E. F.A.S.T. Materials. Last reviewed April 30, 2026. Accessed May 8, 2026. American Stroke Association B.E. F.A.S.T. Materials
4 Kolmos M, et al. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis. 2021;30(8):105935
5 World Stroke Organization. Preventing Another Stroke: A Guide About Secondary Stroke Prevention for Stroke Support Organizations. Published 2024. Accessed May 8, 2026. World Stroke Organization Secondary Prevention Guide
6 American Stroke Association. Preventing Another Stroke. Accessed May 8, 2026. https://www.stroke.org/en/life-after-stroke/preventing-another-stroke