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 2024, the threat of stroke in the United States — and the world at large — remains one that everyone should be aware of regardless of age.
Stroke by the numbers
110 million
People worldwide who have had a stroke
15 million
Worldwide strokes every year
60%
Strokes occurring in people under 70
38%
Strokes occurring in people under 65
16%
Stroke occurring in people under 50
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
80%
Strokes that are preventable
38%
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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