On average, someone in the United States has a stroke every 45 seconds. It is the third-leading cause of death among Americans and a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the United States. These are startling statistics, but consider some numbers that hit even closer to home:

Oregon ranks third in the nation in fatality rates from stroke. As age increases, the likelihood of stroke increases, with a significant jump beginning at age 65. The proportion of Oregon’s population classified as elderly (65+) is expected to increase from 13.6 percent back in 1995 to 24.2 percent in 2025, which will move us up to the state with the 4th highest proportion of elderly in the nation. 

Oregonians are greatly affected by this debilitating disease. With a little knowledge, you can reduce the risks associated with stroke, recognize when a stroke is happening to you or a loved one, and minimize the damage from an attack. 

Some other interesting stats*:

• The estimated direct and indirect cost of stroke for 2004 will be $53.6 billion.

• Each year about 700,000 people experience a new or recurrent stroke. About 500,000 of these are first attacks, and 200,000 are recurrent attacks.

• Each year about 40,000 more women than men have a stroke.

Know the warning signs.
Know how to respond.
Know your risk factors for stroke.

*Source: American Heart Association. Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics — 2004 Update. Dallas, Tex.: American Heart Association; 2003. ©2003, American Heart Association.

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