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Stroke kills over 160,000 Americans each year and on average, someone in the United States dies of a stroke every 3 minutes. Despite its seriousness, studies show that less than 40 percent of Americans can name a single warning sign. Furthermore, many people do not know that aspirin is the only analgesic proven to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death, including fatal ischemic stroke, when used as directed by a doctor.

A stroke (also called a brain attack) is a sudden interruption of blood flow to the brain, usually caused by blood clots that block vessels and can result in death of brain cells. A stroke can cause vision problems, paralysis, speech difficulties or loss of consciousness.

The Facts About Stroke

A continual supply of blood must flow through the brain for it to function properly. Blood supplies energy to this vital organ and if its flow is hindered as a result of a clogged or ruptured blood vessel, stroke occurs. Following are facts about stroke and how it impacts stroke survivors and their families each year.

What are the types of stroke?

Ischemic

- Caused by clots that form and block blood flow to the brain; accounts for 80 percent of all strokes. This also includes transient ischemic attacks (TIA) or mini-stroke - A sudden yet temporary interruption of blood flow to the brain resulting in stroke symptoms that last for several minutes; 36 percent of TIA suffers will eventually have a stroke.

Hemorrhagic

- Occurs when weakened blood vessels in the brain rupture and fill the surrounding area with blood, which damages brain tissue; accounts for 20 percent of all strokes

What impact does stroke have on the body?

Strokes can cause one or more of the following problems:

Paralysis or muscle weakness
Impaired vision
Memory loss
Disruption in speech/language skills

What does life after a stroke look like?

For information about stroke and life after stroke, contact the American Stroke Association toll free at 1-888-4-STROKE or visit their web site at www.StrokeAssociation.org.

Some survivors experience depression following a stroke; early treatment for depression can positively impact rehabilitation.
Between 50 and 70 percent of stroke survivors regain functional independence; the sooner rehabilitation begins, the greater the chance of leading a productive life
Between 15 and 30 percent of stroke survivors experience permanent disability
20% require institutional care at three months after onset
22% of men and 25% of women who have an initial stroke die within a year
51% of men and 53% of women under age 65 who have a stroke die within 8 years