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


Author: Robin Parks, MSLast Updated: March 6, 2007
Medical Review: Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Richard D. Zorowitz, MD - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

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