What the Million Hearts Initiative Means for Stroke

A Presidential Advisory From the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association

Stroke.ahajournals: Ralph L. Sacco, MS, MD, FAAN, FAHA, Chair; Thomas R. Frieden, MD, MPH, Co-Chair; Drew E. Blakeman, MS; Edward C. Jauch, MD, MS, FAHA; Stephanie Mohl – February 1, 2012.

Stroke remains a leading cause of disability and death for people of all races and ethnicities. Nearly 800 000 Americans experience a stroke each year—1 every 40 seconds—and ≈135 000 die.¹ Approximately 600 000 of these are first or new strokes, and those who survive are at increased risk of a future stroke.¹ In 2010, strokes cost the United States an estimated $53.9 billion, including both healthcare costs and productivity losses.²

There are significant racial and ethnic disparities in stroke rates, with blacks having nearly twice the risk of whites of having a first stroke,¹ and blacks and Hispanics are more likely to die after a stroke than are whites.¹ There are also geographic disparities, with higher stroke incidence in the southeastern United States.³ And although stroke risk increases with age, strokes can occur at any age; about 25% of strokes occur in people who are <65 years of age.^3a Read More