Despite the fact that more than 730,000 Americans experience a stroke each year, most people do not know very much about the disease. When this happens, the dying cells release chemicals that set off a chain reaction. This endangers the brain cell surrounding the area of injury. Prompt medical treatment can minimize the damage to this area. In fact, about one-third of all strokes happen to people under 65.
Stroke is the third-leading cause of death in the United States.
Approximately 20 percent of stroke survivors will have another stroke within a year. These are the states with the highest percentage of stroke cases. This blockage may stem from several sources, including clots from the heart or legs, plaque from the valves of the heart or other blood vessels. If a clot or plaque breaks free and travels to the brain, stroke occurs. Approximately 8 percent of all strokes are ischemic.