Stroke Awareness Month: Beyond Genetics and Age, What Is Increasing Your Risk
Each May, Stroke Awareness Month shines a light on one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, someone in the U.S. has a stroke approximately every 40 seconds, highlighting just how widespread and time-sensitive this medical emergency truly is.
Traditionally, stroke risk has been associated with age, genetics, and pre-existing medical conditions.
But today, that understanding is evolving.
Emerging research is revealing that stroke risk is far more dynamic than once believed. Factors such as diet, sleep patterns, environmental exposure, and overall lifestyle are playing an increasingly significant role. While some risks remain out of our control, many are influenced by everyday decisions, making awareness more important than ever.
What Happens During a Stroke
A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, depriving brain cells of oxygen. There are two primary types:
Ischemic stroke, caused by a blood clot blocking an artery
Hemorrhagic stroke, caused by bleeding in the brain
In both cases, time is critical. Brain cells begin to die within minutes, which is why immediate recognition and response are essential.
The American Stroke Association promotes the FAST acronym to help identify warning signs:
Face drooping
Arm weakness
Speech difficulty
Time to call 911
Understanding the Major Risk Factors
Stroke risk is influenced by a combination of lifestyle, medical, and genetic factors. Lifestyle-related risks include:
Poor diet
Physical inactivity
Smoking
Excessive alcohol consumption
Medical conditions that significantly increase risk:
High blood pressure, the leading contributor to stroke
Diabetes
High cholesterol
Atrial fibrillation
While these factors have long been understood, new research is expanding the conversation, especially when it comes to how modern lifestyles may be increasing risk in less obvious ways.
The Link Between Ultra-Processed Foods and Stroke Risk
One of the most talked-about areas of recent research is the role of ultra-processed foods in cardiovascular health.
A March 2026 study published in JACC: Advances followed more than 6,800 adults and found a clear association between high consumption of ultra-processed foods and an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular-related death. The findings showed:
Each additional daily serving of ultra-processed food increased cardiovascular risk by 5.1%
Individuals consuming around nine servings per day had approximately a 67% higher risk of major cardiovascular events
Ultra-processed foods include items such as packaged snacks, sugary beverages, processed meats, and foods containing additives like emulsifiers and high-fructose corn syrup. These products are often:
High in sodium, contributing to elevated blood pressure
Low in essential nutrients
Associated with inflammation through potential impacts on the gut microbiome
This research reflects a growing consensus: diet quality plays a critical role in long-term cardiovascular and neurological health.
Other Emerging Research on Stroke Risk
While diet is a major factor, it is only part of a broader shift in how stroke risk is understood.
Sleep and Stroke Risk Studies published in journals such as Neurology suggest that poor sleep quality and irregular sleep patterns may increase stroke risk, likely due to their effects on blood pressure and systemic inflammation.
Air Pollution and Environmental Exposure Researchin The Lancet Neurology has linked long-term exposure to fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) with a higher incidence of stroke, highlighting the role environmental factors play in overall health.
Stroke in Younger Adults According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, stroke rates are rising among adults under 50. This trend is often associated with unmanaged risk factors such as hypertension, obesity, and lifestyle habits.
Together, these findings reinforce an important shift: stroke risk is no longer confined to a specific age group or profile. It is increasingly shaped by how we live.
Advanced Stroke Life Support (ASLS): Training for Time-Critical Care
While prevention is essential, rapid recognition and response remain critical in improving stroke outcomes.
ACLS Academy offers the Advanced Stroke Life Support (ASLS) course, sponsored by the American Heart Association in partnership with the University of Miami Gordon Center for Simulation and Innovation in Medical Education. This specialized program is designed to enhance stroke recognition, assessment, and early management.
The ASLS course is intended for:
Physicians
Nurses
EMS professionals
Respiratory therapists
Other healthcare providers involved in stroke care
This is a blended learning course that combines online education with hands-on training. During the online portion, students complete one of three tracks:
Prehospital
In-hospital
Combined prehospital and in-hospital
Upon completion, students receive a certificate that allows them to advance to an in-person skills session led by an ASLS Instructor at an affiliated Training Center.
The hands-on skills evaluation includes:
Stroke scale demonstration
Stroke syndrome evaluation
Stroke simulation scenario
After successfully completing all components, participants receive an ASLS Provider eCard.
Continuing Education (CE) credits are available for physicians, EMS personnel, nurses, and respiratory therapists, making this course a valuable credential for professionals across the care continuum.
This level of training goes beyond awareness. It equips providers with the ability to act quickly, confidently, and effectively when every second matters.
Prevention Starts with Awareness and Action
Stroke Awareness Month is not just about recognizing symptoms. It is about understanding the evolving factors that increase risk and taking steps to address them.
From diet and sleep to environmental exposure and chronic health conditions, the picture of stroke risk is becoming more complete and more actionable. Small changes, such as improving nutrition, managing blood pressure, staying active, and seeking proper training, can make a meaningful difference over time.
Because when it comes to stroke, awareness is only the first step. Preparedness and action are what ultimately save lives.
ACLS Academy is a leading American Heart Association-aligned training center serving the Greater Boston area, with locations in Quincy, Bridgewater, and Newton Center. Offering ACLS, BLS, PALS, CPR/AED, First Aid, and Advanced Stroke Life Support (ASLS) certification courses, ACLS Academy is staffed by a multidisciplinary team of experienced healthcare professionals, including nurses, physicians, paramedics, and clinical educators. Through hands-on, scenario-based training grounded in real-world experience, ACLS Academy prepares healthcare providers and community members to respond confidently in life-threatening emergencies. Browse our catalogue of courses.