One side of the face droops or becomes numb. Ask the person to smile if doing so is safe.
</box></row> <row align="start" gap={3}> <box background="surface-secondary" radius="lg" size="48px" align="center" justify="center"> <title size="xl">A</title> </box> <box flex="1" gap={1}> **Arms**
One arm suddenly becomes weak or drifts downward when both arms are raised.
</box></row> <row align="start" gap={3}> <box background="surface-secondary" radius="lg" size="48px" align="center" justify="center"> <title size="xl">S</title> </box> <box flex="1" gap={1}> **Speech**
Speech becomes slurred, strange, or difficult to understand.
</box></row> <row align="start" gap={3}> <box background="surface" border={{size:1,color:"default"}} radius="lg" size="48px" align="center" justify="center"> <title size="xl">T</title> </box> <box flex="1" gap={1}> **Time to call emergency services**
Call immediately if you notice any of these signs. Do not wait to see whether they disappear.
</box></row> </box>
The more quickly a stroke is recognized and treated, the greater the opportunity to limit brain injury and improve recovery. Some treatments are available only within specific time windows, while certain procedures may benefit eligible patients later. The appropriate treatment depends on the type of stroke and clinical assessment. [1][2]
9 Ways to Help Reduce Your Stroke Risk
Although not every stroke can be prevented, many important risk factors can be managed. Prevention focuses on protecting blood vessels, maintaining cardiovascular health, and identifying medical conditions that increase the risk of a stroke.
1. Keep Your Blood Pressure Under Control
High blood pressure is one of the most important modifiable risk factors for stroke.
Over time, uncontrolled blood pressure can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke.
Unfortunately, high blood pressure often produces no obvious symptoms. A person may feel healthy while their blood pressure remains dangerously elevated.
Helpful steps include:
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Check your blood pressure regularly.
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Follow your healthcare professional's treatment recommendations.
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Reduce excessive salt intake.
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Maintain a healthy weight.
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Stay physically active.
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Take prescribed medication consistently.
If you have been diagnosed with hypertension, do not stop medication simply because your readings improve. Discuss any treatment changes with your healthcare professional.
2. Manage Diabetes and Blood Sugar Levels
Diabetes can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, including stroke.
If you have diabetes, work with your healthcare team to manage blood glucose, blood pressure, cholesterol, and other relevant risk factors.
A balanced eating pattern, regular activity, appropriate medication, and recommended health checks can help reduce complications.
If you have not been diagnosed with diabetes but have risk factors, ask a healthcare professional whether screening is appropriate.
3. Monitor and Treat High Cholesterol
Elevated levels of LDL cholesterol can contribute to plaque buildup in arteries, including vessels that supply the brain.
Over time, this buildup may narrow arteries or contribute to the formation of blood clots.
You can support healthier cholesterol levels by eating more fiber-rich foods, choosing unsaturated fats instead of excessive saturated fats, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking.
Some people also need medication, such as a statin, depending on their cardiovascular risk and medical history.
A blood test and an individualized assessment can help determine what treatment is appropriate.
4. Stop Smoking and Avoid Secondhand Smoke
Smoking damages blood vessels, contributes to plaque buildup, and increases the risk of blood clots.
Quitting smoking is one of the most valuable steps a person can take to protect their cardiovascular health.
If you smoke, consider asking a healthcare professional about counseling, structured cessation programs, or medications that can make quitting easier.
Try to avoid secondhand smoke as well.
Quitting can be difficult, especially after many years, but repeated attempts and appropriate support can improve the chances of success.
5. Exercise Regularly
Physical activity helps improve blood pressure, blood sugar control, cholesterol levels, and weight management.
For many adults, a reasonable goal is at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, provided their health allows it. Activities such as brisk walking, cycling, swimming, and dancing can count toward this goal.
You do not need to complete all your exercise at once. Shorter sessions spread throughout the week can be practical and beneficial.
If you have a chronic illness, mobility limitations, or concerns about your heart health, discuss a safe exercise plan with your healthcare professional before making major changes.
Consistency matters more than occasional bursts of intense activity.
6. Eat a Balanced, Heart-Healthy Diet
Your everyday eating habits can influence blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and body weight.
A heart-healthy eating pattern generally emphasizes:
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Fruits and vegetables.
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Whole grains.
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Beans, lentils, and other legumes.
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Fish and other suitable sources of protein.
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Nuts and seeds in appropriate portions.
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Unsaturated fats, such as those found in olive oil and some other plant oils.
Try to reduce excessive salt, highly processed foods, and foods high in saturated or trans fats.
You do not need a perfect diet to make progress. Small, sustainable changes—such as adding vegetables to meals, choosing whole grains more often, and reducing salty packaged foods—can make a meaningful difference over time.
7. Maintain a Healthy Body Weight
Excess body weight can contribute to high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and other conditions associated with stroke risk.
However, weight management should be approached realistically and without extreme dieting.
Focus on sustainable habits: regular movement, balanced meals, adequate sleep, and appropriate medical care.