Impact of Stroke

Stroke is a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the US.

About 5.7 million stroke survivors are alive today in the U.S.

Every 45 seconds, someone in the U.S. has a stroke.

More than 700,000 people experience a stroke annually.

In 2007, stroke is estimated to cost the U.S. $62.7 billion, up from an estimated $53.6 billion in 2004.

Stroke treatment costs alone may exceed $2 trillion by 2050.

Source: American Heart Association. Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics - 2007 Update

Approximately two thirds of stroke survivors have residual neurological deficits that persistently impair function.

Gresham GE, Fitzpatrick TE, Wolf PA, McNamara PM, Kannel WB, Dawber TR. Residual disability in survivors of stroke: the Framingham Study. N Engl J Med. 1975;293:954-956.

Only 5 percent of stroke survivors regain full upper extremity function, despite having had intensive therapy to address the disability

Gowland C, deBruin H, Basmajian J, Plews N, Nurcea I. Agonist and antagonist activity during voluntary upper-limb movement in patients with stroke. Phys Ther. 1992; 72:624-633.

28 percent of annual stroke victims are under age 65.

50 percent had some one-sided paralysis.

26 percent were dependent in activities of daily living (grooming, eating, bathing, etc.)

Source: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's Framingham Heart Study, disabilities observed six months post-stroke among ischemic stroke survivors who were at least 65 years old.

Cardiovascular disease ( CVD) cost Americans an estimated $274 billion in medical expenses and lost productivity in 1998.

Source: American Heart Association

Approximately $3.7 billion ($5,718 per discharge) was paid to Medicare beneficiaries for stroke in 1995.

Source: Health Care Financing Administration data

Consult your physician for more information.