Key Points
Î Approximately 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke each
year, ≈610,000 of whom have had first attacks, resulting in 6.8 million
stroke survivors >19 years of age.
Î Stroke ranks as the fourth-leading cause of death in the United States.
Î Globally, over the past 4 decades, stroke incidence rates have fallen
by 42% in high-income countries and increased by 100% in low- and
middle-income countries. Stroke incidence rates in low- and middle-
income countries now exceed those in high-income countries.
Î Stroke is a leading cause of functional impairment. For patients who
are ≥65 years of age, 6 months after stroke, 26% are dependent in
their activities of daily living, and 46% have cognitive deficits.
Î There are enormous opportunities for preventing stroke. An
international case-control study of 6000 individuals found that 10
potentially modifiable risk factors explained 90% of the risk of stroke.
Î Primary prevention is particularly important because 76% of strokes
are first events.
