Video Transcript:
Stroke Facts
- A report from World Health Organization (WHO) reveals
that 15 million people suffer from stroke worldwide, and
5 million people die and another 5 million are permanently
disabled.
- In the United States, stroke is the 3rd leading cause
of death next to heart disease and cancer.
- It is estimated that 140,000 people die each year because
of stroke. Every year, more than 795,000 people experience
stroke; 610,000 of these are first or new strokes. One in
four is recurrent case
- Contrary to popular belief, stroke can affect a person
at any age, but 25% of stroke cases happen in people under
the age of 65. On average, someone in the US will suffer
from stroke every 40 seconds, and after you have read this
page (about 4 minutes), one American is dead because of
stroke
- High blood pressure is the most important risk factor
for stroke, which is the leading cause of serious and long-term
disability. High blood pressure, high LDL cholesterol, and
smoking are key risk factors for stroke. About half of Americans
(49%) have at least one of these three risk factors
- It is estimated that a total of $38.6 Billion is spent
on health care services, medications and lost productivity
due to stroke.
The common warning signs and symptoms for stroke are the following:
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg - especially
on one side of the body.
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or
coordination.
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause.
Several medical conditions and lifestyle choices can also put people at a higher risk for stroke such as:
- Diabetes
- Overweight and obesity
- Poor diet
- Physical inactivity
- Excessive alcohol use
