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Statistics of Stroke

More about stroke/brain attack:

Consider the following statistics regarding strokes:

  • Stroke is the third largest cause of death, ranking behind diseases of the heart and all forms of cancer.

  • Almost every 40 seconds in the United States, a person experiences a stroke.

  • Over 4 million US adults live today with the effects of a stroke.

  • The American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, estimates strokes cost the US $68.9 billion in 2009.

  • Women account for about 6 in 10 stroke deaths.

  • Black males have almost twice the risk of a first-ever stroke compared with white males.

  • Hispanics have an increased risk of stroke compared with non-Hispanic whites.

  • Each year about 795,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke in the US.

  • Stroke accounts for about 1 out of every 17 deaths in the US. 

Publication Source: Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Update 2009. American Heart Association. 2009, 1;1:14-5.
Online Source: American Heart Association http://www.americanheart.org/downloadable/heart/1240250946756LS-1982%20Heart%20and%20Stroke%20Update.042009.pdf
Online Editor: Sinovic, Dianna
Online Medical Reviewer: Akin, Louise RN, BSN
Online Medical Reviewer: Brown, Carolyn RN, MN, CCRN, CNS
Online Medical Reviewer: Foster, Sara RN MPH
Online Medical Reviewer: Sweetwood, Jane RN, MN, CCRN
Date Last Reviewed: 10/12/2009
Date Last Modified: 10/19/2009