According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 150,000 Americans die of a stroke each year. Stroke is the 5th leading cause of death in the U.S. and is the leading cause of serious long-term disability. This all even though 80% of strokes are preventable.
Here are some facts:
- A stroke causes brain tissue to die, which can lead to brain damage, disability, and death.
- Risk factors for stroke include some factors beyond your control such as age, sex, and ethnicity, but also includes unhealthy lifestyle choices such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and not getting enough exercise.
- High blood pressure is the single most important treatable risk factor for stroke.