WebMD
Font Size
A
A
A

Who is affected by stroke

Over 700,000 people in the United States have a stroke each year. About 500,000 are first strokes and about 200,000 are recurrent attacks.1

Stroke is:

  • The third leading cause of death, behind heart disease and cancer.1
  • A leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the United States.1

Women are less likely than men to have a stroke in all age ranges except 75 and older.2

African Americans, Native Americans, and Alaska Natives are about twice as likely as whites to have a stroke.1

Citations

  1. American Heart Association (2006). Heart disease and stroke statistics-2006 update. Circulation, 113(6): e85–e151.

  2. Warburton E (2006). Stroke management, search date June 2006. Online version of Clinical Evidence (15): 1–15.

Author Robin Parks, MS
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Richard D. Zorowitz, MD - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Last Updated March 6, 2007

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: March 06, 2007
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.