A stroke is a type of cardiovascular disease that affects the arteries leading to and inside the brain. A stroke is a "brain attack." It occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, it means a part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, so it begins to die.

Statistics
Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States. About 700,000 Americans have strokes each year. Someone has a stroke every 53 seconds.

Stroke Myths

• Stroke is not preventable.
• Stroke only strikes the elderly.
• Stroke happens to the heart.
• Stroke recovery is immediate.

Stroke Realities

• Stroke is preventable.
• Anyone can have a stroke.
• Stroke is a "brain attack."
• Stroke recovery is ongoing.

Types of Stroke
Ishemic Strokes are clots that block an artery cause ischemic strokes. This is the most common type of stroke. About 70-80 percent of all strokes are ischemic strokes.

Hemorragic or Bleeding Stroke is a blood vessel that ruptures causes a hemorrhagic or bleeding stroke.

Effects of Stroke
When part of the brain suffers or dies from lack of blood and oxygen, the part of the body it controls is affected. Strokes can cause paralysis, speech and vision problems or other difficulties.