Stroke stats

1. 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.

2. Stroke is a leading cause of serious long-term disability.

3. About 795,000 strokes occur in the United States each year. About 610,000 of these are first or new strokes. About 185,000 occur in people who have already had a stroke before.

4. 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.

5. Strokes can—and do—occur at ANY age. Nearly one quarter of strokes occur in people under the age of 65.

6. Stroke death rates are higher for African Americans than for whites, even at younger ages.

7. According to the American Heart Association, stroke will cost almost $68.9 billion in both direct and indirect costs in 2009 (American Heart Association. Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2009 Update. American Heart Association; 2009.)

8. It has been noted for several decades that the southeastern United States has the highest stroke mortality rates in the country. It is not completely clear what factors might contribute to the higher incidence of and mortality from stroke in this region.