Fast Facts on Stroke

Stroke is a brain attack, cutting off vital blood flow and oxygen to the brain. In the United States, stroke is a leading cause of death, killing over 133,000 people each year, and a leading cause of serious, long-term adult disability.1,2

Approximately 795,000 strokes will occur this year, one occurring every 40 seconds, and taking a life approximately every four minutes.2 Stroke can happen to anyone at any time, regardless of race, sex or age. From 1997 to 2007, the annual stroke death rate fell approximately 34 percent, and the actual number of deaths fell by 18 percent.2 Approximately 55,000 more women than men have a stroke each year. African Americans have almost twice the risk of first-ever stroke compared with whites. Types of Stroke: Ischemic stroke occurs when arteries are blocked by blood clots or by the gradual build-up of plaque and other fatty deposits. About 87 percent of all strokes are ischemic. Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain breaks leaking blood into the brain. Hemorrhagic strokes account for thirteen percent of all strokes, yet are responsible for more than thirty percent of all stroke deaths. Two million brain cells die every minute during stroke, increasing risk of permanent brain damage, disability or death. Recognizing symptoms and acting FAST to get medical attention can save a life and limit disabilities. The prevalence of transient ischemic attacks (TIA – ―mini strokes‖) increases with age. Up to 40 percent of all people who suffer a TIA will go on to experience a stroke. The estimated direct and indirect cost of stroke in the United States in 2010 is $73.7 billion.

Time is Brain. Call 9-1-1.

Few Americans know the signs of stroke. Learning them – and acting FAST when they occur – could save your life or the life of a loved one. Remember that stroke strikes FAST and you should too. Call 9-1-1.

Use the FAST test to recognize and respond to the signs of stroke.

F = FACE Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?

A = ARMS Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

S = SPEECH Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Does the speech sound slurred or strange?

T = TIME If you observe any of these signs (independently or together), call 9-1-1 immediately.

Reducing Stroke Risk

Everyone has some stroke risk. Some risk factors are beyond your control, including being over age 55, being a male (stroke is more common in men than women at younger ages, but more women experience strokes at older ages and more women than men die from stroke), being African-American, having diabetes, and having a family history of stroke. If you have one of these risk factors, it is even more important that you learn about the lifestyle and medical changes you can make to prevent a stroke. However, everyone should do what they can to reduce their risk for stroke – learn more by reading and following the Prevention Guidelines below.

Medical stroke risk factors include:

Previous stroke, previous episode of TIA (or mini stroke), high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease, atrial fibrillation and carotid artery disease. These medical risk factors can be controlled and managed even if you have already had issues with any of them in the past. Talk with your doctor about what will work best for you.

Lifestyle stroke risk factors include:

Smoking, being overweight and drinking too much alcohol. You can control these lifestyle risk factors by quitting smoking, exercising regularly, watching what and how much you eat and limiting alcohol consumption.

Public Stroke Prevention Guidelines

1. Know your blood pressure.

If it is elevated, work with your doctor to keep it under control. High blood pressure is a leading cause of stroke. Have your blood pressure checked at least once each year—more often if you have a history of high blood pressure.

2. Find out if you have atrial fibrillation (AF).

If you have AF, work with your doctor to manage it. Atrial fibrillation can cause blood to collect in the chambers of your heart. This blood can form clots and cause a stroke. Your doctor can detect AF by carefully checking your pulse.

3. If you smoke, stop.

Smoking doubles the risk for stroke. If you stop smoking today, your risk for stroke will begin to decrease.

4. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.

Drinking a glass of wine or beer or one drink each day may lower your risk for stroke (provided that there is no other medical reason you should avoid alcohol). Remember that alcohol is a drug - it can interact with other drugs you are taking, and alcohol is harmful if taken in large doses. If you don’t drink, don’t start.

5. Know your cholesterol number.

If it is high, work with your doctor to control it. Lowering your cholesterol may reduce your stroke risk. High cholesterol can also indirectly increase stroke risk by putting you at greater risk of heart disease - an important stroke risk factor. Often times, high cholesterol can be controlled with diet and exercise; some individuals may require medication.

6. Control your diabetes.

If you are diabetic, follow your doctor’s recommendations carefully because diabetes puts you at an increased risk for stroke. Your doctor can prescribe a nutrition program, lifestyle changes and medicine that can help control your diabetes.

7. Include exercise in the activities you enjoy in your daily routine.

A brisk walk, swim or other exercise activity for as little as 30 minutes a day can improve your health in many ways, and may reduce your risk for stroke.

8. Enjoy a lower sodium (salt), lower fat diet.

By cutting down on sodium and fat in your diet, you may be able to lower your blood pressure and, most importantly, lower your risk for stroke.

9. Ask your doctor if you have circulation problems.

If so, work with your doctor to control them. Fatty deposits can block arteries that carry blood from your heart to your brain. Sickle cell disease, severe anemia, or other diseases can cause stroke if left untreated.

10. Act FAST.

If you have any stroke symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

1 Miniño, Arialdi, Jiaquan Xu, and Kenneth Kochanek. Deaths: Preliminary Data for 2008. National Vital Statistics Reports (2010) 59.2.

2 American Heart Association. Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics – 2011 Update. Dallas, Texas: American Heart Association; 2010.