The potentially life-threating attack is trending younger.
National Stroke Awareness Month in May is a time in which the focus is turned to the causes and
potentially life-threatening and devastating effects of strokes.
A sudden and severe neurological attack disrupting blood flow in the brain, a stroke occurs every 40 seconds in the United States, a prevalence that demonstrates a 60 percent increase over the past 30 years.
In 2023, the threat of stroke in the United States — and the world at large — remains one that everyone should be aware of.
Stroke by the numbers
110 million
People worldwide who have had a stroke
15 million
Worldwide strokes every year
5 million
Worldwide stroke-related deaths
5 million
Worldwide strokes leaving survivors disabled
795,000
Strokes in the United States every year
610,000
First-time strokes in the United States every year
185,000
Strokes in patients who have previously had a stroke
3 ½ minutes
Time between stroke-related deaths in the United States
87
Percentage of strokes that are ischemic
80
Percentage of strokes that are preventable
38
Percentage of strokes occurring in patient under age 65
38
Percentage of people aware of all major stroke symptoms
Risk factors & prevention
The 80 percent of strokes that were preventable refer to addressing stroke risk factors — a list of common and, more importantly, treatable conditions that increase the probability of a patient suffering a stroke.
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High blood pressure
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High cholesterol
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Smoking
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Obesity
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Diabetes
In the United States, one in three adults live with at least one of these conditions. Address these treatable risk factors by discussing them with a primary care physician and developing a treatment plan.
B.E. F.A.S.T.
Know the symptoms of stroke so they can be spotted, recognized, and immediately acted upon. Remember to 'B.E. F.A.S.T.'
Balance
Sudden loss of balance and/or coordination
Eyes
Sudden blurred or double vision, or sudden vision trouble
Face
Facial droop on one side of the face
Arms
One-sided arm weakness or numbness, or one arm drifting downward when held straight out
Speech
Slurred and/or garbled speech, or difficulty repeating simple phrases
Time
Recognize these symptoms in yourself or someone near you? Do not hesitate — dial 911 immediately for prompt medical attention.
Address your stroke risk factors
Make an appointment with a McLaren primary care provider to lower your risk for stroke.
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Stroke care at McLaren Health Care
Learn more about the state-of-the-art capabilities of the McLaren Stroke Network.
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