Were you aware that stroke is listed among the top killers in the United States, and it is also the leading cause of disability in America? Stroke is a highly dangerous and often deadly illness that damages the arteries that lead to the brain and are within it. The upsetting stroke statistics in this article will shine a light on the disease and the rate of prevalence not only in the United States but also worldwide. Hence, make yourself a hot cup of coffee or tea and read on.

Top 10 Most Shocking Stats and Facts  

  • Around 1 of 4 cases of a stroke happens to individuals who have already had a stroke.
  • $316.6 billion is lost each year in health costs due to stroke.
  • According to stroke disability statistics, the most common cause of long-term disability in America is a stroke.
  • 50% of the individuals who suffer from hypertension will have a stroke.
  • Luckily, 80% of strokes are preventable.
  • CDC stroke data says that African-American men are twice as likely to suffer a stroke, compared to white men.
  • The major risk factors which contribute to up to 90% of the worldwide stroke burden include diabetes, hypertension, and smoking.
  • What percentage of strokes are fatal? The stroke survival rate statistics found that around 20% of cases in the world related to stroke have a deadly outcome.
  • Around 10-25% of children who suffer a stroke will eventually die.(Isn't this 100%? Or did you find immortality?)
  • Can smoking weed cause a stroke? Smoking cannabis may increase the risk of having a stroke by 15-29%.(I highly doubt you have defined this correctly, Smoking is the problem, NOT marijuana.)

Stroke in the United States

Stroke Statistics -USA

1. Each year 140,000 American citizens (or more) die from stroke.

(CNBC)
Stroke remains to pose an extreme danger to citizens of the United States, both young and old, according to CDC stroke statistics
In fact, every year, around 800,000 Americans experience a stroke. Plus, the study has also shown that the stroke death rates in 38 states between 2013-2015 did not continue to decline and that there were around 32,593 excess deaths from a stroke during this period. These numbers confirm that stroke is the leading cause of death in the US.

2. Around 75% of strokes occur in elderly Americans over the age of 65.

(MuscHealth)
Even though studies have shown that stroke may lurk upon individuals of all ages, the statistics claim that more than half of the cases occur in people over 65. Stroke statistics show that stroke poses a greater danger as we age. Further studies have reported that the chance of suffering from stroke doubles after reaching 55.

3. It is estimated that an American has a stroke every 40 seconds, whilst every 4 minutes an individual dies of the illness.

(MemorialCare) (Ibisworld)
This translates to around 2,160 strokes each day, and around 15,120 strokes every week, as the stroke stats suggest. Based on ambulance statistics, it is estimated that 15.7% of emergency cases involve the use of a healthcare vehicle.

4. Around 1 of 4 cases of a stroke is in individuals who have already had a stroke.

(Stroke.org)
Medical researchers claim that strokes are recurrent illnesses. Because of this alarming fact, it is important to talk to a highly skilled professional and create a good prevention plan. For starters, to reduce stroke prevalence, it is important to cut out stress, reduce sodium intake, and lose excess weight.

5. An upsetting 88% of cases are ischemic strokes.

(Strokecenter.org)
An ischemic stroke happens when one of the arteries in the brain is blocked. Thus, the artery is unable to bring fresh blood from the other organs and the brain cells will be forced to stop functioning. Unfortunately, ischemic stroke is the most common kind of stroke, affecting adults and children likewise.

6. $316.6 billion is lost each year in health costs due to stroke.

(AHAJournals)
According to the Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics — 2016 Update, the direct and indirect cost of a stroke on an annual level in America is around $316.6 billion. The insanely large amount of money includes different health care services and expensive medicines for stroke. Hence, the large sum mostly goes to expensive methods of treatment, post-stroke care, and even days off of work. If marijuana is legalized, every state could use marijuana tax revenue to invest more in healthcare.

7. The most common cause of long-term disability in America is a stroke.

(HealthTalk)
Major stats on the prevalence of stroke claim that stroke is frequently the leading cause of extreme and long-lasting disability. This is especially the case with senior citizens, as they are more likely to become disabled after surviving one. 
A stroke usually affects mobility skills and it may cause the patient to remain in a wheelchair. Fortunately, some of the minor disabilities such as speech impediments may be overcome with the help of therapy.

8. 5% of the population of Minnesota died from a stroke in 2017.

(Minnesota Department of Health)
According to the stroke statistics from 2017, an extremely large number of American citizens in Minnesota died from the fatal disease. Based on data derived from the Minnesota Department of Health, stroke is considered the sixth most prevalent cause of death. Furthermore, the death rate in Minnesota due to stroke is 15% lower than the average number in America in 2017.

9. 50% of the individuals who suffer from hypertension will have a stroke.

(WorldHeartFederation) (AHAJournals)
According to the Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2018 Update derived from the American Heart Association, 34% of the adult population in the United States from 2011-2014 had high blood pressure. It is estimated that hypertension causes around half of the cases of ischemic strokes, as well as significantly increases the chances of suffering from a hemorrhagic stroke. 

10. Individuals who suffer from atrial fibrillation have a five-fold chance of suffering from stroke as well.

(NCBI)
According to researchers dealing with stroke prevalence and atrial fibrillation, the said fibrillation is a very common risk factor for stroke. Patients who suffer from atrial fibrillation have abnormal heartbeats that occur in cases when the atria is “attacked” by electrical impulses. This causes the top chamber of the heart to have spasms, which the individual feels like an irregular pulse.

11. Luckily, up to 80% of strokes are preventable.

(CDC)
One of the most optimistic facts about stroke is that most cases are preventable and can be treated if the illness is caught in its earliest stages. In fact, up to 80% of strokes can be prevented by applying healthier lifestyle habits such as physical exercise and a diet based on vegetables. Some of the most common risk factors for stroke include obesity, hypercholesterolemia, abnormal levels of sodium in the diet, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption.

Stroke Facts and Statistics Related to Race and Ethnicity

Stroke Statistics - Ethnicity

12. Hispanic citizens have a 4.2% higher chance of suffering from a stroke, compared to non-Hispanic whites.

(NCBI)
Hispanic citizens in the United States are more likely to experience a stroke or another heart-related disease, compared to non-Hispanic blacks (4.1%) and non-Hispanic whites (3.2%). The study on stroke statistics examined data from 432,814 adults in the United States above 18.

13. The high rates of cardiovascular disease in minorities are mainly due to poverty, low education levels, and inaccessibility to health care.

(NCBI)
Minorities in the United States are more likely to suffer from cardiovascular-related diseases such as stroke. Furthermore, individuals who belong to minorities are more prone to obesity, diabetes, and hypertension than the general population. These symptoms are also risk factors for heart disease.

14. CDC stroke facts claim that African-American men are twice as likely to have a stroke, compared to white men.

(CDC)
The National Center for Health statistics claim that stroke is an extremely problematic matter in African-American individuals, especially adult men. In comparison with white men, African-Americans have a higher chance of suffering a stroke, dying from a stroke, and attaining a disability due to stroke. Common signs of a stroke in men include loss of vision, severe headaches, and having difficulty talking.

15. Asian-Americans are more likely to suffer a stroke than white Americans.

(BrainAndLife)
According to the statistics on the prevalence of stroke in the US from a study published in JAMA Neurology, Asian-Americans are more prone to stroke. The study analyzed information collected from 64,337 Asian-American individuals and found that the minority is more endangered.

Stroke in the World Statistics 

16. On a global scale, stroke is the second among the leading causes of death.

(PhysioPedia)
Certainly, the United States is not the only country plagued by circulatory diseases such as stroke. Stroke statistics worldwide show stroke is an extremely common cause of death in every country. Furthermore, it is considered the third cause of premature death and also the main cause of disability.

17. The major risk factors which contribute to up to 90% of the worldwide stroke burden include diabetes, hypertension, and smoking.

(PhysioPedia)
According to Feigin et al, more than 90% of the cases dealing with stroke are caused by risk factors such as coronary heart disease, atrial fibrillation, family or personal history of stroke, and brain aneurysms. Based on stroke statistics from 2018, other common factors include obesity, bad habits such as smoking or drinking, and high levels of stress.

18. The stroke occurrence in low- and middle-income countries has doubled over the past years.

(WHO)
According to the statistics about stroke on a global scale, lower-middle-income countries such as Angola, Afghanistan, Chad, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Cambodia, Cameroon, and Congo have a higher rate of citizens suffering from stroke than in high-income countries. Furthermore, it was shown that the rates of stroke in high-income countries have declined by 42%.

19. What are the statistics on stroke and death? The survival rate statistics found that around 20% of cases in the world related to stroke are fatal.

(Stroke)
Unfortunately, many patients who suffer a stroke end up losing their lives. According to the numbers, the disease is fatal in around 10-20% of cases! Furthermore, the survivors of a stroke may be left disabled, with a speech impediment, and with significant cognitive issues. When an individual suffers from a stroke, it is because the brain is deprived of vital nutrients or oxygen, thus the brain cells perish.

20. What percentage of stroke patients make a full recovery? Around 10% of the patients in the world who had a stroke managed to fully recover.

(HealthLine)
Based on information derived from the National Stroke Association, only 10% of the patients who have suffered a stroke managed to fully recover. Nevertheless, the numbers also show that around 25% of the patients recovered with minor defects such as speech impairment or memory loss.  On the flip side, 40% of the patients ended up with extreme impairments.

21. What country has the most strokes? Indonesia is the number one country with the most deaths caused by stroke.

(Hindawi) (WorldLifeExpectancy)
Stroke has always been, and still remains one of the most relevant illnesses among the young and the elderly populations in Indonesia. According to the reports by the WHO on death statistics and stroke, around 21.2% of the deaths in the country are caused by the condition. 

Pediatric Stroke Statistics 

Stroke Statistics - Children

22. Around half of all cases of strokes in children are acute ischemic strokes.

(NCBI)
This fact is contrasted with AIS in adults — around 80-85% have an ischemic stroke. Stroke can be either hemorrhagic, ischemic, or it can be both. Even though it is uncommon in children, it can pose quite a dangerous health threat. The risk factors are usually different from those in adults.

23. 50% of children with heat stroke fail to sweat, heat stroke statistics confirm.

(ChildrensColorado)
Heat strokes are extremely common types of strokes, mostly affecting children who play or spend time in very strong sunlight, but it can affect adults as well. The most common symptoms of heat stroke include flushed skin, high fever, and nausea.

24. Around 10-25% of children who endure a stroke will eventually die.

(NCBI) (AHA Journals)
It was found that between 1979-1998, there were around 4,881 deaths from childhood stroke in the United States.
Up to 25% will experience a stroke again, while 66% are said to have neurological issues or consequently tend to develop seizure disorders.

Interesting Facts About Stroke

25. One in five females suffers from a stroke.

(Stroke.org)
Stroke is a deadly enemy of women all over the world. American Stroke Association says it kills more females than males, and on average one in five females experiences a stroke during their lifetime. 
There are different risk factors that may cause stroke in women, including birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy. Based on heart disease and stroke statistics, the most common symptoms of a stroke in women are a general feeling of numbness in the face and limbs, dizziness, and confusion when speaking.

26. 21 in 100,000 pregnant women will suffer a stroke during the third trimester or after giving birth.

(Stroke.org) (AHAJournals)
Even though this fact may shock some, professionals claim that pregnancy is another risk factor for stroke in many women. In addition, pregnant women with preeclampsia are twice as likely to have a stroke in the future. Metabolic syndrome may also cause stroke in pregnant women, and according to the Heart Disease and Stroke statistics from the 2015 update, the rates of metabolic syndrome increased to 26.5% between 1999-2004.

27. The fifth leading cause of death in men in US is a stroke.

(CDC)
According to stroke in men statistics, stroke is considered the fifth most common cause of death in adult men after cancer, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and diabetes. In fact, stroke kills about the same amount of men every year as Alzheimer’s disease and prostate cancer together. Furthermore, US stroke statistics report men are believed to suffer a stroke at a younger age than females.

Marijuana and Stroke  

Stroke Statistics - Marijuana

28. CBD oil for stroke may help patients in recovery by reducing damage to the brain.

(CBDHempDrx)
The most reliable scientific evidence suggests CBD may be helpful in reducing damage to the brain and it may aid in the prevention of infarction. 
The stroke recovery statistics including cannabis claim that patients who use CBD for these purposes will not have negative side effects if the cannabidiol does not contain THC. CBD oil dosage for stroke ranges between 2500 mg, 3500 mg, and 5000 mg, but make sure to consult with a medical expert beforehand.

29. Can smoking weed cause a stroke? Smoking cannabis may increase the risk of having a stroke by 15-29%.

(WebMD)
Cannabis usage is probably linked to stroke, smoking and stroke statistics from 2018 claim. According to Dr. Krupa Patel, smoking cannabis increases the risk of having a stroke by a shocking 15%, and it increases the risk of ischemic stroke by 29%. 
Nevertheless, the study does not provide firm evidence on marijuana causing stroke, and it is only hinted that the two are connected. Bear in mind the combustion process produces harmful chemicals, similarly to burning tobacco.

30. Can marijuana help in stroke recovery? Yes, cannabinoids are excellent for limiting the damage to the cells following a stroke.

(MarijuanaDoctors)
Some stroke statistics suggest that smoking marijuana may provide individuals who had recently suffered a stroke with neuroprotective results. When the patient starts taking cannabinoids following a stroke, they are able to protect neurons and astrocytes from further harm. Thus, the patient is able to start off a neurobehavioral, functional, and histological recovery by using medical marijuana after a stroke.

31. Around 62% of individuals with a medical condition such as stroke use CBD to treat the symptoms.

(NCBI)
The researchers examining recurrent stroke statistics found that CBD may be a great way to treat the symptoms of a stroke. The top three health conditions which CBD is known for alleviating are depression, anxiety, and pain. Individuals who have endured a stroke may have severe, almost unbearable pain. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, the stroke facts in this article demonstrate that stroke is a worldwide epidemic that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Unfortunately, it claims precious lives and leaves people severely disabled. Some of the studies link stroke to cannabis usage, whilst others claim that cannabis is an excellent way to prevent a stroke from happening. 
It is certain that researchers will have to conduct more detailed studies in the future on the subject matter. Hopefully,  stroke statistics in the upcoming years will be much more optimistic.

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