--- title: "Stroke: signs, prevention and care at Sutter Health" description: "Learn about stroke prevention, warning signs of stroke and Sutter Health’s award-winning stroke care options across Northern California and the Central Coast." url: "https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/stroke-signs-risks" --- 1. [Home](https://www.sutterhealth.org/) / 2. [Health and wellness](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health) / 3. Stroke signs # Stroke: Signs, prevention and care ## Someone has a stroke every 40 seconds. In the U.S., stroke kills twice as many women as breast cancer. Learn the signs and how Sutter’s advanced stroke network can help improve outcomes. Have a conversation with your doctor about your stroke risk factors and what you can do to make positive changes for better health. ## BE FAST: Stroke Warning Signs Call 911 if you notice stroke symptoms in yourself or someone else. ##### **Balance** Sudden loss of balance. ##### **Eyes** Sudden vision changes. ##### **Face** Sudden face drooping. ##### **Arms** Sudden arm/leg weakness. ##### Speech Sudden speech difficulty. ##### Time Time is critical. Call 911. ## Stroke Facts and Prevention Taking care of your body can lower your stroke risk. ### Learn the Facts About Stroke Who’s at greatest risk for stroke? - People over age 55 - Women: Hormonal changes, pregnancy and birth control increase risk - Black people have a 50% higher chance of first stroke than white people - Anyone with a close relative who's had a stroke - People who have had a stroke, transient ischemic attack or heart attack ### How To Prevent Stroke Around 80% of strokes can be avoided with a healthy lifestyle. - [Manage your diabetes](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/simple-steps-to-manage-type-2-diabetes) if you have it - Get high blood pressure under control - [Eat well](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/mediterranean-diet) and [exercise](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/6-tips-to-start-exercising) - Maintain a [healthy weight](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/lose-weight-the-healthy-way) - Limit your alcohol intake - If you smoke, quit now - Manage your cholesterol - Schedule regular [checkups](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/primary-care) - Get 7-9 hours of good sleep each night   [View Stroke Tips](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/six-simple-ways-to-reduce-stroke-risk) ![doctor-explaining-results-of-mri-to-patient](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/sutterhealt962c-sutterhealt8fce-production57cc-4860/media/Project/SutterHealth/SutterHealth/Images/people/women/doctor-explaining-results-of-mri-to-patient.jpg?h=483&iar=0&w=724) ## Sutter’s Stroke Network Our 16 certified stroke centers, [mobile stroke unit](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-stories/bringing-the-emergency-department-to-the-patient-1042868317) and telestroke program provide advanced diagnostic testing and comprehensive care. We’re with you every step of the way, from diagnosis and treatment to your path to recovery. [Stroke and Neurovascular Care](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/stroke-and-neurovascular-care) ## Help Spread Awareness Share our BE FAST flyer and poster to help your family, friends and community recognize the signs of stroke. [Download Flyer (PDF)](https://www.sutterhealth.org/-/media/Project/SutterHealth/SutterHealth/Files/pdf/health/befast-toolkit.pdf) [View Poster (PDF)](https://www.sutterhealth.org/-/media/Project/SutterHealth/SutterHealth/Files/pdf/health/befast-poster.pdf) ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"MedicalOrganization","name":"Sutter Health","@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/#medicalorganization","url":"https://www.sutterhealth.org","logo":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/static/images/sutter-health-logo.svg","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","streetAddress":"2200 River Plaza Drive","addressLocality":"Sacramento","addressRegion":"CA","postalCode":"95833","addressCountry":"US"},"areaServed":{"@type":"AdministrativeArea","name":"California"},"sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/SutterHealth","https://www.instagram.com/sutterhealth/","https://x.com/SutterHealth","https://www.youtube.com/sutterhealth","https://www.linkedin.com/company/sutter-health","https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sutter_Health"]} ``` ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"WebPage","name":"Stroke: signs, prevention and care at Sutter Health","description":"Learn about stroke prevention, warning signs of stroke and Sutter Health’s award-winning stroke care options across Northern California and the Central Coast.","url":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/stroke-signs-risks","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/stroke-signs-risks#breadcrumblist"}} ``` ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/stroke-signs-risks#breadcrumblist","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Health and wellness","item":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/health"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Stroke signs"}]} ``` ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"VideoObject","name":"#InaMinute – BE FAST ","thumbnailUrl":"https://cf-images.us-east-1.prod.boltdns.net/v1/static/817826402001/a864f3ed-1139-4160-9c86-8c10cbd04b0f/99ca7eab-4501-462f-b418-0a0a3ee9a16f/1280x720/match/image.jpg","uploadDate":"2020-12-03T18:45:42.669Z","embedUrl":"https://players.brightcove.net/817826402001/79bcaa57-54d7-453c-9f1f-8ab3ef7b15de/index.html?videoId=6024933398001","description":"Learn how to BE FAST to spot a stroke. Time is critical for stroke victims. Every minute, two million brain cells die. With the acronym “BE FAST,” you can recognize the signs and symptoms of stroke to get your loved one the care they need quickly.","duration":"PT1M12S","transcript":"Every year, nearly 800,000 people\nhave a stroke in the United States.\nTime is critical for a stroke victim.\nEach minute, two million brain cells die.\nWhen you think someone may be having a stroke,\nremember to BE FAST and look for the signs.\nB stands for Balance.\nIs the person suddenly uncoordinated or unable\nto stand?\nE stands for eyes.\nIs their vision blurry, double or gone?\nF stands for face.\nIs their smile uneven or does one side of their face droop?\nA stands for arms.\nCan they lift both arms evenly or does one slump down?\nS stands for speech.\nCan they repeat a simple phrase, or is it slurred or garbled?\nT is for time.\nIf someone has any of these symptoms, BE FAST and call 911.\nReacting quickly can save lives.\nRemember, BE FAST to spot a stroke."} ```