How to Spot a Stroke Attack – B.E.F.A.S.T. – The Warning Signs
- In 2020, 1 in 6 deaths from cardiovascular disease was due to stroke.1
- Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke. Every 3.5 minutes, someone dies of stroke.2
- Every year, more than 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke. About 610,000 of these are first or new strokes.2
- About 185,000 strokes—nearly 1 in 4—are in people who have had a previous stroke.2
- About 87% of all strokes are ischemic strokes, in which blood flow to the brain is blocked.2
- Stroke-related costs in the United States came to nearly $53 billion between 2017 and 2018.2 This total includes the cost of health care services, medicines to treat stroke, and missed days of work.
- Stroke is a leading cause of serious long-term disability.2 Stroke reduces mobility in more than half of stroke survivors age 65 and older.2
- Stroke is a leading cause of death for Americans, but the risk of having a stroke varies with race and ethnicity.
- Risk of having a first stroke is nearly twice as high for Blacks as for Whites,2 and Blacks have the highest rate of death due to stroke.1
- Though stroke death rates have declined for decades among all race/ethnicities, Hispanics have seen an increase in death rates since 2013.1
- In one survey, most respondents—93%—recognized sudden numbness on one side as a symptom of stroke. Only 38% were aware of all major symptoms and knew to call 9-1-1 when someone was having a stroke.4
- Patients who arrive at the emergency room within 3 hours of their first symptoms often have less disability 3 months after a stroke than those who received delayed care.4
- n one survey, most respondents—93%—recognized sudden numbness on one side as a symptom of stroke. Only 38% were aware of all major symptoms and knew to call 9-1-1 when someone was having a stroke.4
- Patients who arrive at the emergency room within 3 hours of their first symptoms often have less disability 3 months after a stroke than those who received delayed care.4
- High blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, and diabetes are leading causes of stroke. One in 3 U.S. adults has at least one of these conditions or habits.2
- Learn how to take steps to prevent stroke.
- https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/facts.htm