May is Stroke Awareness Month

The Facts:

• Stroke can happen to anyone at any age.
• 80% of all strokes are preventable.
• Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S. and a leading cause of severe disability.
• On average, one person dies from stroke every 4 minutes.
• More than 795,000 people have a stroke each year in the U.S.
• Stroke kills almost 130,000 of the 800,000 Americans who die of cardiovascular disease each year—that’s 1 out of every 19 deaths from all causes.

Every 40 seconds, someone in America has a stroke. It is the fifth leading cause of death and the leading cause of disability in adults. Depending on the type, extent and location of the damage – as well as how quickly emergency care is given – a stroke can result in death or may permanently impair a person's ability to move, speak, think, remember, respond normally or live independently.

If you suspect someone is having a stroke, ask them to smile; if one side of their face droops, that’s a sign of stroke. Similarly, if they try to lift both arms, but one drifts downward, that’s another sign. Slurred speech can also be a symptom. If you observe any of these signs, call 911 immediately. Time is essential to limiting or reversing the impact of stroke,” said David Brown, M.D., program director of Hoag’s Stroke Program.