The truths about stroke
- In 2006, 137,000 people in the United States died of stroke, accounting for nearly 1 in every 17 deaths. Only heart disease and cancer killed more people.1
- Someone in the United States has a stroke every 40 seconds. Every three to four minutes, someone dies of stroke.2
- Stroke is the third leading cause of death for both men and women. In 2006, 6 out of every 10 deaths due to stroke were in women.1
- Every year, about 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke. About 610,000 of these are first or new strokes. About 185,000 people who survive a stroke go on to have another.2
- Ischemic strokes, which occur when blood clots block the blood vessels to the brain, are the most common type of stroke, representing about 85% of all strokes.2
- In 2009, stroke cost the United States $68.9 billion.2This total includes the cost of health care services, medications, and missed days of work.
- Stroke is a leading cause of serious long-term disability.
- Heron MP, Hoyert DL, Murphy SL, Xu JQ, Kochanek KD, Tejada-Vera B. Deaths: Final data for 2006,[PDF–5.3M]National Vital Statistics Reports; 57(14). Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. 2009.
- Lloyd-Jones D, Adams R, Carnethon M, et al. Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2009 Update. A Report From the American Heart Association Statistics Committee and Stroke Statistics Subcommittee. Circulation. 2009;119:e21–e181.
Northwest Neurological &
Neurovascular Services
Phone: (425) 264-2568
Fax: (425) 264-2569
Washington's Center for Health & Wellness
500 SW 39th Street, Suite 150
Renton, Washington 98057
The truths about stroke
- In 2006, 137,000 people in the United States died of stroke, accounting for nearly 1 in every 17 deaths. Only heart disease and cancer killed more people.1
- Someone in the United States has a stroke every 40 seconds. Every three to four minutes, someone dies of stroke.2
- Stroke is the third leading cause of death for both men and women. In 2006, 6 out of every 10 deaths due to stroke were in women.1
- Every year, about 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke. About 610,000 of these are first or new strokes. About 185,000 people who survive a stroke go on to have another.2
- Ischemic strokes, which occur when blood clots block the blood vessels to the brain, are the most common type of stroke, representing about 85% of all strokes.2
- In 2009, stroke cost the United States $68.9 billion.2This total includes the cost of health care services, medications, and missed days of work.
- Stroke is a leading cause of serious long-term disability.
- Heron MP, Hoyert DL, Murphy SL, Xu JQ, Kochanek KD, Tejada-Vera B. Deaths: Final data for 2006,[PDF–5.3M]National Vital Statistics Reports; 57(14). Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. 2009.
- Lloyd-Jones D, Adams R, Carnethon M, et al. Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2009 Update. A Report From the American Heart Association Statistics Committee and Stroke Statistics Subcommittee. Circulation. 2009;119:e21–e181.
Northwest Neurological &
Neurovascular Services
Phone: (425) 264-2568
Fax: (425) 264-2569
Washington's Center for Health & Wellness
500 SW 39th Street, Suite 150
Renton, Washington 98057
Stroke Risk Factors1
Some stroke risk factors are hereditary. Others are a function of natural processes. Still others result from a person's lifestyle. You can't change factors related to heredity or natural processes, but those resulting from lifestyle or environment can be modified with the help of a healthcare professional.
What risk factors for stroke can't be changed?
- Age
- Heredity (family history) and race
- Sex (gender)
- Prior stroke, TIA or heart attack
What stroke risk factors can be changed, treated or controlled?
- High blood pressure
- Cigarette smoking
- Diabetes mellitus
- Carotid or other artery disease
- Atrial fibrillation
- Other heart disease
- Sickle cell disease
- High blood cholesterol
- Poor diet
- Physical inactivity and obesity
What are other, less well-documented risk factors?
- Geographic location
- Socioeconomic factors
- Alcohol abuse
- Drug abuse
Northwest Neurological &
Neurovascular Services
Phone: (425) 264-2568
Fax: (425) 264-2569
Washington's Center for Health & Wellness
500 SW 39th Street, Suite 150
Renton, Washington 98057
Stroke Risk Factors1
Some stroke risk factors are hereditary. Others are a function of natural processes. Still others result from a person's lifestyle. You can't change factors related to heredity or natural processes, but those resulting from lifestyle or environment can be modified with the help of a healthcare professional.
What risk factors for stroke can't be changed?
- Age
- Heredity (family history) and race
- Sex (gender)
- Prior stroke, TIA or heart attack
What stroke risk factors can be changed, treated or controlled?
- High blood pressure
- Cigarette smoking
- Diabetes mellitus
- Carotid or other artery disease
- Atrial fibrillation
- Other heart disease
- Sickle cell disease
- High blood cholesterol
- Poor diet
- Physical inactivity and obesity
What are other, less well-documented risk factors?
- Geographic location
- Socioeconomic factors
- Alcohol abuse
- Drug abuse
Northwest Neurological &
Neurovascular Services
Phone: (425) 264-2568
Fax: (425) 264-2569
Washington's Center for Health & Wellness
500 SW 39th Street, Suite 150
Renton, Washington 98057