Baptist Health Hardin highlights stroke prevention during Stroke Awareness Month

ELIZABETHTOWN, KY (April 28, 2025) – May is Stroke Awareness Month, a time to focus on recognizing the signs and symptoms of stroke, understanding risk factors, and taking steps to prevent this life-threatening condition. Baptist Health Hardin is encouraging the community to take stroke risk seriously — with a special emphasis on managing blood pressure, one of the most significant contributing factors.

A stroke happens when a blood vessel supplying the brain with oxygen and nutrients becomes blocked by a clot or breaks open. As a result, the affected area of the brain is deprived of blood and oxygen, causing brain cells to become damaged or die.

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in the United States. In Kentucky, stroke is the sixth leading cause of death.

“Stroke can happen to anyone, and often without any warning,” said Rosa Vittitoe, Stroke Coordinator at Baptist Health Hardin. “High blood pressure is the number one controllable risk factor. The best thing you can do for your brain health is to know your numbers and work to keep your blood pressure in a healthy range. Prevention truly starts with awareness and action.”

High blood pressure often has no symptoms, yet it quietly damages blood vessels and can lead to a stroke. Routine blood pressure checks and ongoing monitoring are key steps in prevention. Baptist Health Hardin encourages individuals to work with their healthcare providers to regularly check blood pressure and make lifestyle changes to stay within a healthy range.

In addition to controlling blood pressure, it’s important to recognize the warning signs of stroke and act quickly. Knowing the signs and seeking immediate medical attention can be the difference between recovery and lasting disability — or even death. Stroke symptoms can occur suddenly.

Use the acronym B.E. F.A.S.T. to recognize a stroke:

• B = Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination
• E = Eyes: Sudden vision changes in one or both eyes
• F = Face: Facial drooping or uneven smile
• A = Arms: Arm weakness or inability to raise both arms evenly
• S = Speech: Slurred speech or difficulty speaking
• T = Time: Time to call 911 — act quickly and note when symptoms began

“Minutes matter during a stroke,” Vittitoe added. “Getting help quickly can limit damage to the brain and improve recovery outcomes.”

Baptist Health Hardin remains committed to raising awareness and promoting preventive care across the region. By understanding risk factors like high blood pressure, knowing the symptoms, and taking action, individuals can reduce their chances of stroke and protect their long-term health.

For more information about stroke or to find a physician, visit BaptistHealth.com.