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Stroke Facts and Statistics
Stroke Facts
- Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States. Over
160,000 people die each year from stroke in the United States.
- Stroke is a leading cause of serious long–term disability.
- About 700,000 strokes occur in the United States each year. About 500,000 of
these are first or new strokes. About 200,000 occur in people who have
already had a stroke before.
- 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.
- Strokes can—and do—occur at ANY age. Nearly one quarter of
strokes occur in people under the age of 65.
- Stroke death rates are higher for African Americans than for whites,
even at younger ages.
- According to the American Heart Association, stroke cost almost
$57 billion in both direct and indirect costs in 2005 (American Heart
Association. Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2005 Update. American
Heart Association; 2004.)
- 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.
Page last reviewed: October 10, 2007
Page last modified: February 9, 2007
Content source: Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention,
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and
Health Promotion
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