Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States. Over 143,579 people
die each year from stroke in the United States.
Stroke
is the leading cause of serious, long-term disability
in the United States.
Each
year, about 795,000 people suffer a stroke. About 600,000
of these are first attacks, and 185,000 are recurrent
attacks.
Nearly three-quarters of all strokes occur in people over the age of 65. The risk
of having a stroke more than doubles each decade after the age of 55.
Strokes can—and do—occur at ANY age. Nearly one quarter of strokes occur in people
under the age of 65.
Stroke death rates are higher for African Americans than for whites, even at younger
ages.
Among adults age 20 and older, the prevalence of stroke in 2005 was 6,500,000 (about
2,600,000 males and 3,900,000 females).
On
average, every 40 seconds someone in the United States has a
stroke.
Each year, about 55,000 more women than men have a stroke.Men’s stroke incidence
rates are greater than women’s at younger ages but not at older ages. The male/female
incidence ratio is 1.25 at ages 55–64; 1.50 for ages 65–74; 1.07 at 75–84 and 0.76
at 85 and older.
Of all strokes, 87 percent are ischemic, 10 percent are intracerebral hemorrhage,
and 3 percent are subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Stroke accounted for about one of every 17 deaths in the United States in 2005.
Stroke mortality for 2005 was 143,579 (56,586 males, 86,993 females).
From 1995–2005, the stroke death rate fell 29.7 percent and the actual number of
stroke deaths declined 13.5 percent.
The risk of ischemic stroke in current smokers is about double that of nonsmokers
after adjustment for other risk factors.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an independent risk factor for stroke, increasing risk
about five-fold.
High blood pressure is the most important risk factor for stroke.
In 2000, stroke
accounted for 7% of all deaths - 15, 409 Canadians.
Every seven
minutes, a Canadian dies of heart disease or stroke.
Stroke was the
second largest contributor to hospital care costs among
cardiovascular diseases (2000-1).
80% of
Canadians have at least one of the risk
factors for heart and/or cerebrovascular disease: daily
smoking, physical inactivity, being overweight,
self-reported high blood pressure, or diabetes.
Between 1969
and 1999, death rates for cerebrovascular disease
decreased by 62%.
According to
the World Health Organization, 15 million people suffer
stroke worldwide each year. Of these, 5 million die and
another 5 million are permanently disabled.
High blood pressure
contributes to over 12.7 million strokes worldwide.
Europe averages
approximately 650,000 stroke deaths each year.
In developed countries, the incidence of stroke is
declining - largely due to efforts to lower blood
pressure and reduce smoking. However, the overall rate
of stroke remains high due to the aging of the
population.
U.S. Stroke Deaths 35+, 1991-8, by County
This map clearly shows the "Stroke Belt,"
an area in the Southeastern U. S. and Mississippi
Valley with a high rate of stroke
mortality.
U.S. Stroke Deaths for Men 35+, 1991-8
Again, the "Stroke Belt" is clearly visible.
The information contained in this
web site is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment.
Consultation with your doctor or health care professional is recommended.
About Stroke
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