Stroke
Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and is a major cause of serious disability for adults.1,2 About 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke each year.2 Get more quick facts about stroke.
Stroke is preventable. You may be able to prevent stroke or lower your chances of having a stroke.
Stroke is treatable. Learn the signs of stroke, and call 9-1-1 right away if you think someone might be having a stroke. Getting fast treatment is important to preventing death and disability from stroke.
Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. has a stroke. Read these survivor stories to learn more about stroke, including how you may be at risk, how to recognize stroke, and what to do if stroke happens.
Join us in celebrating 15 years of stroke care through the Coverdell Program!
Learn more about the program’s history, currently funded states, and partnership opportunities.
2020 Hypertension Control Championsexternal icon
Million Hearts® recognized 15 health care practices and systems as 2020 Champions for their efforts to achieve blood pressure control for at least 80% of their adult patients with hypertension.
Stroke Communications Kit
Health professionals can share these social media messages, graphics, and resources to educate their audiences about the importance of stroke prevention.
Vital Signs: Preventing 1 Million Heart Attacks and Strokes
Heart disease and stroke are preventable, yet they remain leading causes of death, disability, and health care spending in the United States. Alarmingly, in 2016, more than 800,000 of these life-changing cardiovascular events happened to adults ages 35–64. The new CDC Vital Signs highlights how Million Hearts® is focusing national efforts on preventing 1 million heart attacks and strokes by 2022. Learn how health systems and communities can keep people healthy, optimize care, and improve outcomes for priority populations.
DHDSP Recognizes Stroke Survivors
In observance of National Stroke Awareness Month this May, the Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention (DHDSP) is spotlighting stroke survivors and the importance of stroke awareness. Visit our new Survivor Stories webpage to learn more about stroke and how it can happen to anyone, even fitness enthusiasts and new moms.
- Kochanek KD, Xu JQ, Murphy SL, Arias E. Mortality in the United States, 2013. NCHS Data Brief, No. 178. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of Health and Human Services; 2014.
- Mozzafarian D, Benjamin EJ, Go AS, Arnett DK, Blaha MJ, Cushman M, et al., on behalf of the American Heart Association Statistics Committee and Stroke Statistics Subcommittee. Heart disease and stroke statistics—2016 update: a report from the American Heart Association. Circulation 2016;133(4):e38–360.
