In figures | McLaren Healthcare News

May 01, 2023

The potentially deadly attack tends to rejuvenate.

National Stroke Awareness Month in May is a time when the focus is on the causes and life-threatening and devastating effects of strokes.

A sudden and severe neurological attack disrupting blood circulation in the brain, a stroke occurs every 40 seconds in the United States, a prevalence that demonstrates a 60% increase over the past 30 years.

In 2023, the threat of stroke in the United Statess – and the world at large – remains one that everyone should be aware of.

Kick by the numbers

110 million

People around the world who have had a stroke

15 million

Strokes worldwide each year

5 millions

Stroke-related deaths around the world

5 millions

Strokes around the world leaving survivors disabled

795,000

Stroke in the United States each year

610,000

First strokes in the United States each year

185,000

Stroke in patients who have already had a stroke

3 ½ minutes

Time between stroke-related deaths in the United States

87

Percentage of ischemic strokes

80

Percentage of preventable strokes

38

Percentage of strokes occurring in patients younger than 65

38

Percentage of people aware of all major stroke symptoms

Risk factors & prevention

The 80% stroke preventable refers to considering stroke risk factors – a list of common and, more importantly, treatable conditions that increase a patient’s likelihood of having a stroke.

• High blood pressure

• High cholesterol

• Smoking

• Obesity

• Diabetes

In the United States, one in three adults lives with at least one of these conditions. Address these treatable risk factors by talking with a primary care physician and developing a treatment plan.

BE QUICK

Know the symptoms of a stroke so they can be spotted, recognized and treated immediately. Don’t forget to ‘BEFAST’

Bbalance

Sudden loss of balance and/or coordination

EYes

Sudden blurred or double vision, or sudden blurring of vision

Face

Facial sagging on one side of the face

Arms

Weakness or unilateral numbness of the arm, or an arm drifting downward when held straight

Sshout

Slurred and/or slurred speech, or difficulty repeating simple sentences

JTO DO

Recognize these symptoms in yourself or someone near you? Don’t hesitate — dial 911 immediately for prompt medical attention.