• Stroke is a disease that affects the arteries leading to and within the brain.
• About 795,000 Americans each year suffer a new or recurrent stroke. That means, on average, a stroke occurs every 40 seconds.
• Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability in the United States.
• Almost 129,000 people die because of stroke every year.
• Stroke is the fifth cause of death in the United States. On average, every 4 minutes, someone dies of stroke.
• African-Americans face almost twice the risk of suffering a first stroke as compared to white people, and have a higher risk of death from stroke.
• There are many risk factors for stroke, including: high blood pressure, cholesterol level, smoking, diet, and exercise.
• Recognizing symptoms of a stroke and acting FAST to get medical attention can save a life and limit disabilities.

Sources: American Heart Association/American Stroke Association; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.