Knowing stroke signs can save a life when every minute counts

DALLAS, May 1, 2026 - A stroke can change a life in an instant. In the minutes after symptoms begin, quick action can help protect the brain, reduce long-term disability and save a life, according to the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association.

On average, nearly 2 million brain cells die every minute a stroke goes untreated, making early recognition and treatment critical. During May, American Stroke Month, the Stroke Association is highlighting the importance of recognizing stroke warning signs and understanding how early treatment and prevention can make a meaningful difference when it matters most.

Stroke is the fourth-leading cause of death, according to the American Heart Association's 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistical Update [1] , and a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the United States. Each year, approximately 800,000 people in the U.S.

experience a stroke. A stroke can happen to anyone, at any age.

When a stroke happens, blood flow to the brain is interrupted. The longer treatment is delayed, the greater the risk of lasting damage.