Stroke Statistics


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:

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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How well do you know stroke? Test your knowledge by taking our interactive quiz.

View the public service announcements supporting the regional Know Stroke campaign.

Understand the risk factors and assess your risk for stroke—an interactive tool from the Harvard Center for Cancer Prevention that estimates your risk of stroke and provides personalized tips for prevention.

Entendiendo los derrames cerebrales
Señales de aviso, factores de riesgo y que hacer respecto a ellos.

 

The signs of stroke are distinct because they happen quickly:

Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg (especially on one side of the body)
Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech 
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
Sudden severe headache with no known cause

Call 9-1-1 immediately if you experience these symptoms and take brain-saving action.