Stroke Information | cdc.gov

Stroke Information | cdc.gov

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, causing brain tissue to die.

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, causing brain tissue to die. A stroke often starts as a sudden feeling of numbness or weakness on half of the body.

Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States and is a major cause of adult disability.1,2 About 800,000 people in the United States have a stroke each year.2 One American dies from a stroke every 4 minutes, on average.2 Get more quick facts about stroke.

Stroke is a medical emergency. Know the signs and symptoms of stroke, and call 9-1-1 right away if you think someone might be having a stroke. Getting fast treatment is important to preventing death and disability from stroke.

You may be able to prevent stroke or reduce your risk through healthy lifestyle changes. In addition, medication can reduce stroke risk for some people.

Learn About Stroke

• About Stroke
• Types of Stroke
• Risk Factors
• Prevention
• Guidelines and Recommendations
• Other Resources

Educational Materials

• For Patients
• For Professionals

• Featured Items

  Strokes, Long on the Decline among the Elderly, are Rising among Younger Adults
  Stroke is a major cause of morbidity and years of productive life lost, especially when it occurs in younger persons. Stroke in children and young adults accounts for 5 to 10% of all strokes and is among the top 10 causes of childhood death. CDC's report on stroke was recently cited in a Washington Post article that explores the rise of strokes among young adults.
  
  
  A Cup of Health with CDC: Preventing Strokes
  Strokes are the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, and they don't just occur in older adults. Anyone can have a stroke at any age. In this CDC podcast, Dr. Mary George, discusses ways to decrease your chances of having a stroke.
  
  
  Vital Signs: Preventable Deaths from Heart Disease and Stroke
  Nearly 1 of 3 deaths in the US each year is caused by heart disease and stroke. At least 200,000 of these deaths could have been prevented through changes in health habits, such as no smoking, more physical activity, and less salt in the diet. Community changes to create healthier living spaces, such as safe places to exercise, smoke-free areas, managing high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes can also help prevent heart disease and strokes.
  
  
  When it Comes to Blood Pressure, Make Control Your Goal
  May is High Blood Pressure Education Month. Have you talked about a goal for your blood pressure with your health care provider? If not, do it at your next visit. One of three American adults has high blood pressure, also called hypertension. Learn how to make control your goal.
  
  
  Paul Coverdell National Acute Stroke Registry: Strategies from the Field
  States that have a stroke registry supported through the Coverdell program have identified unique ways to meet program goals and objectives. Any state interested in creating or maintaining a stroke registry can learn from the successful strategies and lessons learned described in this report.
  
  
  Most Americans Should Consume Less Sodium
  Most of the sodium we eat is in the form of salt. Too much sodium is bad for your health. It can increase your blood pressure and your risk for a heart attack or stroke. Heart disease and stroke are the first and fourth causes of death in the United States.

• Reference

  1. Kochanek KD, Xu JQ, Murphy SL, Miniño AM, Kung HC. Deaths: final data for 2009.[PDF-371K] Nat Vital Stat Rep. 2011;60(3).
  2. Go AS, Mozaffarian D, Roger VL, Benjamin EJ, Berry JD, Borden WB, et al. Heart disease and stroke statistics—2013 update: a report from the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2012:e2–241.