Understanding Stroke
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Physician's Resource


StrokeSense : Physician's Resource

Stroke Statistics

Physician's Resource

Stroke Statistics

Stroke Action Plan

Communicating With Patients About Stroke

The Adherence Factor

Information for Patients

Information for Physicians

  • Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States, behind heart disease and cancer.
  • The risk for dying of a stroke is less than half of what it was 20 years ago.
  • Each year 500,000 Americans have their first stroke and 100,000 people experience a recurrent stroke.
  • About 25 percent of people who recover from their first stroke will experience another stroke within 5 years.
  • The risk for suffering another stroke is greatest immediately following a stroke. The risk decreases with time.
  • The incidence of stroke more than doubles with each successive decade for people aged 55 and older.
  • Two thirds of all strokes occur in people aged 65 and older.
  • Twenty-two percent of men and 25 percent of women die within 1 year after suffering their first stroke.
  • Stroke is the number one cause of serious adult disability in the United States.

References

  1. About Stroke, Internet Stroke Center, 2003.
  2. Stroke Statistics, American Heart Association, 2002.

Source of Material: RockHill Communications, 14 Rock Hill Road Bala, Cynwyd, PA 19004, (610) 667-2040,
Writer: Christine Norris
Editors:
Erin Murphy, Andrea King, Joanne Poeggel, Ron Wozny
Clinical Reviewer: Patt Panzer, M.D.
Date Written:
4/30/01
Last Revised:
4/3/03