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Stroke strikes fast. You should too. Every second counts. If you are experiencing any signs of a stroke, do not attempt to drive yourself to the hospital. Call 9-1-1 immediately.

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States. It is also a leading cause of serious long-term disability. Although most strokes occur in people aged 65 years or older, strokes can occur at any age. For example, a new Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC) study, Trends of Acute Ischemic Stroke Hospitalizations in the U.S.:    1994–2007, found that stroke hospitalizations increased among both males and females aged 5–44 years old, raising concern about this young population.

Knowing the symptoms of stroke and calling 9-1-1 immediately if someone appears to be having a stroke are crucial steps in getting prompt emergency medical care for a stroke. New treatments are available that can reduce the damage caused by a stroke for some victims, but these treatments need to be given soon after the symptoms start.

Know the Signs and Symptoms of Stroke
SUDDEN

Numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
Confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
Trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
Trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance and coordination.
Severe headache with no known cause.

If you think someone is having a stroke, call 9–1–1  immediately.
Receiving immediate treatment is critical in lowering the risk of disability and even death.

Quick Facts
Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States.
In 2007, a total of 135,952 people died from stroke in the United States.
Stroke is a leading cause of serious long-term disability in the United States.
About 795,000 strokes occur in the United States each year. About 610,000 of these are first or new strokes.          About 185,000 occur in people who have had a stroke before.
Nearly three-quarters of all strokes occur in people aged 65 years or older.                                                                                     The chances of having a stroke double each decade after the age of 55.
Strokes can—and do—occur at any age.
Nearly 25% of strokes occur in people younger than age 65.
Stroke death rates are higher for African Americans than for whites, even at younger ages.
It has been noted for several decades that the southeastern United States have the highest stroke mortality rates in the country. It is not completely clear what factors contribute to the higher incidence of and mortality from stroke in this region.
People with a family history of stroke are more likely to have a stroke.

What Can You Do to Lower Your Chance of Having a Stroke?
Knowing your chances of having a stroke and doing what you can to decrease or control your chances constitute the best approach to preventing stroke and stroke-related disability. All people can take steps to lower their chances of having a stroke or lower their chances of having another stroke.

Things you can do to lower your chances of having a stroke include taking steps to prevent and control high blood pressure, eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, not smoking, and not drinking too much alcohol (drinking more than two drinks per day on average for men or more than one drink per day on average for women).

Prevent and control high blood pressure.
Prevent and control diabetes.
Abstain from tobacco use.
Treat atrial fibrillation.
Prevent and control high blood cholesterol.
Maintain a healthy weight and exercise.
Engage in regular physical activity.
Eat healthy food.

For more information, please contact our stroke coordinator at (408) 848-4946 or visit the National Stroke Association website at http://www.stroke.org