Stroke Facts & Figures

Stroke is the third-leading cause of death, behind only heart disease and cancer in the United Sates.   Perhaps even more important, it is the leading cause of significant disability.   Approximately 700,000 people have a stroke each year in the United States, including approximately 3000 from Cuyahoga County, Ohio.  The risk of stroke increases with age and over 11% of people age 75 and above have had a stroke in the past.  With the aging of the population, an “inevitable stroke epidemic” has been forecasted over the next 15 years. (Lancet 2003; 362:1211) A doubling of stroke mortality is expected by 2032, largely from increased incidence of stroke. (Stroke 2003;34:2109).

The Ohio Department of Health published the "Ohio Burden of Stroke" document in May 2006, which including the following facts:

• Ohio ranks 36th among all states in overall stroke mortality. Over 7,000 Ohioans died from stroke in 2002.

• More than  3/4 of  Ohio adults have at least one of the following modifiable risk factors for stroke: diabetes, obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or low fruit and vegetable consumption.
  
  
• Black men and women were least likely to recognize all five symptoms of stroke and call 911 as the first response to someone having a stroke or heart attack. White women were most likely to recognize all five symptoms of stroke and call 911 in the event of a stroke or heart attack.

• The average age for ischemic stroke was 72 years and average age for hemorrhagic stroke was 67 years old.  Men diagnosed with stroke were 3-4 years younger than women.
  
  
• Almost 53% of Ohio adults who have had a stroke reported limitations in their activities compared to 15.9% of adults who never suffered from a stroke.
  
  
• In 2003, 28% of Ohio patients admitted  for a hemorrhagic stroke died prior to hospital discharge.   Five percent of patients admitted with ischemic stroke died prior to hospital discharge.
  
  
• In Ohio, only 20% of hemorrhagic stroke patients and 34% of ischemic stroke patients were discharged from the hospital without the need for extended healthcare.  The majority went to other facilities such as acute rehabilitation, subacute rehabilitation, and skilled nursing facilities or received home health care.