Statistics of Stroke

More about stroke or brain attack

The American Stroke Association (ASA), a division of the American Heart Association, reports the following statistics regarding strokes:

  • Stroke is the fourth largest cause of death, ranking behind diseases of the heart, all forms of cancer, and lower respiratory disease.

  • Almost every 40 seconds in the United States, a person experiences a stroke.

  • Over 4 million U.S. adults live today with the effects of a stroke.

  • ASA estimates strokes cost the U.S. $73.7 billion in 2010.

  • Women account for about 6 in 10 stroke deaths.

  • Black males have almost twice the risk of a first-ever stroke compared with white males.

  • Hispanics have an increased risk of stroke compared with non-Hispanic whites.

  • Each year about 795,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke in the U.S.

  • Stroke accounts for about 1 out of every 18 deaths in the U.S.

There are more strokes as people live longer because the risk of stroke increases with age. 

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